WCMA: The youth movement has arrived

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on July 11, 2016 1:48 PM

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By RUDY COGGINS

rcoggins@newsargus.com

Has the youth movement arrived?

Lionel Sutton thinks so.

The former lower-tier professional player experienced it during the final round of the 2015 Wayne County Men's Amateur. Sutton steadily climbed up the leaderboard on the final day, but he didn't -- as usual -- take his playing partners for granted.

"Awesome players ... could hit a mile ... good gracious," said Sutton after he locked up his fourth Open Division title.

Sutton won't experience that pressure this year. He'll make his Senior Division debut when the 17th installment of the WCMA opens Friday at Southern Wayne Country Club.

The first groups tee off at holes No. 1 and 10 at 8 a.m.

Former Open Division champ Jeremy Joyner and Parker King, who co-chair the Wayne County Junior Amateur portion, agree that several young players will attempt to add a WCMA championship to their respective golf resumes.

"There is definitely a bigger youth movement in the last few years than what it has normally been," Joyner said. "I obviously think that is definitely good for the game of golf in Wayne County. There are a lot of really talented players in this year's field.

"It is more top heavy than in years past and that has to do with younger players playing. There are 10 or 12 legitimate players that could win this year's Open Division."

Nick Adams, a rising junior at the University of Mount Olive, has been the Open Division runner-up each of the past two years. Dane Jones, Brandon Campbell and a host of other players have come close to hoisting the trophy.

They'll have to contend with Barton College alum Jon Burke, who has regained his amateur status. Burke has four Open Division crowns and owns two WCMA records -- the lowest three-day score (206 set in 2010) and is just one of two players to shoot under par in all three rounds.

Joyner shot under par in each round during an emotional 2014 run to the Open Division crown on his home course. Just weeks earlier, Jones' mentor -- Howard Hunt -- announced his resignation as Southern Wayne Country Club pro to take a job in Florida.

"This will be the deepest field we have had in over a decade, including the return of Burke," Parker said. "However, his task of capturing a record fifth Open Division title will not be easy with other strong competitors in the tournament."

Sutton is expected to challenge defending Senior champ Stan Adams. John Zambelli, who is "Mr. WCMA," and Don Shaver are the pre-tournament favorites in the Super Senior and Masters divisions, respectively. Zambelli has claimed a WCMA-record six championships that span two divisions -- one as a Senior and five as a Super Senior.

The six titles have occurred over an eight-year period.

A par-71 layout with tree-lined fairways and pesky dog-leg holes best describes Southern Wayne. The golfers will have an opportunity to make a statement and lay the groundwork for the final two rounds.

Lane Tree Golf Club, which always presents a formidable challenge, is the host for day two. The tournament concludes at picturesque Walnut Creek Country Club, a premier course that has proven unforgiving in previous WCMA tournaments.

"Opening at my home course helps," Joyner said. "You can't win it on day one, but you can definitely shoot yourself out of the tournament. The year I won it, SWCC was the final day and I felt that I could post a good score there.

"Keeping within striking distance was key for me."