Wesley Hunter has just begun his last semester at Spring Hill College, however his summer was more exciting than expected.

Hunter competed in the 2017 U.S. Amateur at Bel-Air County Cub in Los Angeles in mid-August along the 312 best amateur golfers in the world.

“I’ve been playing ever since I was in high school. It’s kind of the dream for any amateur golfer is to get to the U.S. Amateur,” Hunter said.

Hunter completed is local qualifying at Spencer T. Olin Golf Course in St. Louis. The top three amateurs would solidify a spot in the U.S. Amateur after two rounds of stroke play. Hunter shot a combined score of three under par for his first two rounds, and entered into a playoff with two other players. After completing six playoff holes, Wesley won the playoff and locked in his spot at the 2017 US Amateur.

“I was really focused on trying to keep practicing, and this was my main goal this summer was to get to the US Am, it was really good to finally get there,” Hunter said.

Hunter competed in the first two rounds of stroke play and recorded a combined score of 12 over par. While this brought his 2017 U.S. Amateur experience to a close, this is only the beginning for Hunter.

Men's Golf Coach Steve Hodges has watched Wesley grow to this level over the past few years. “The first time I went to see Wesley play was in a junior golf tournament.  He had a lot of issues in his golf swing, but watching him work hard with several of the pros here in town and his swing improving year after year and then making it to the US Amateur, is definitely gratifying as a coach,” Hodges said.

“Next summer I am going to try to play in some really good Amateur events and get ready for next fall,” Hunter said. “I am going to do the Web.Com Q School next fall. I’m just trying to get ready for that right now, and trying to practice as hard as I can.”