July 27, 2007

LINCOLNDALE, N.Y. - Kennesaw State golfer Michael Tulacz qualified for the United States Amateur Championship on Thursday afternoon by defeating the University of Florida's Will Strickler on the second hole of a sudden-death playoff at the Anglebrook Golf Club.

Tulacz, who shot an even-par 144 with scores of 74 and 70, and Phillipe-Andre Bannon of Canada (2-under par 142) will now play in the 107th United States Amateur Championships in late August at the Olympic Club in San Francisco.

"This is a tremendous opportunity for him and we are all very proud of what he accomplished," said Kennesaw State head coach Blake Smart. "This is a validation of his hard work and talent. I hope he plays well at the U.S. Amateur and is able to take this a long way."

With 60 players competing for two spots at the Sectional Qualifier, Tulacz and Strickler were tied after regulation and continued their tie after the first hole of sudden death before Tulacz sank a 13-foot putt to earn a spot in the championships.

Should Tulacz play well at The Olympic Club, the champion of the U.S. Amateur would receive exemptions to The Masters and the United States Open as well as numerous top amateur events around the country.

The 144-player field of the U.S. Amateur Championships, conducted by the United States Golf Association, will be held on August 20-26, 2007.

2007 U.S. Amateur Championship
Sectional Qualifying Round
Anglebrook Golf Club, Lincolndale, N.Y.
Thursday, July 26, 2007

Qualifiers
Philippe-Andre Bannon
Laval, Quebec, Canada
66-76 = 142

Michael Tulacz*
Kingston, N.Y.
74-70 = 144