WCMA: Jones now the 'hunted' and not the 'hunter'

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on July 5, 2018 3:10 PM

• Print
• Email

By RUDY COGGINS

rcoggins@newsargus.com

The memory remains vivid.

A handshake.

A few words of encouragement.

Then disappointment.

Dane Jones thought he'd never hoist a championship trophy in celebration.

One year later, 2017 to be exact, Jones played at a patient place and earned a just reward -- the Wayne County Men's Amateur Open Division title.

When he tees off Friday morning at Walnut Creek Country Club, he'll be the 'hunted' and not the 'hunter,' in the 20th installment of the county's most-prestigious golf tournament.

"It's a big relief this year," Jones said. "Now I can just go in there, have a good time and not worry about pressing so hard to gain a title."

The three-day, 54-hole event continues Saturday at Lane Tree, site of last year's finals, and wraps up at Southern Wayne Country Club on Sunday. Lane Tree is replacing Goldsboro Municipal, which re-sodded greens damaged from the harsh winter, but said the course wasn't ready to host the Amateur.

"We felt like Lane Tree is the best option for the integrity of the tournament...is the best option for all parties involved," said Jeremy Joyner, who serves on the WCMA tournament committee.

Jones looks to become the first repeat winner in Open Division play since Clark Rose won consecutive titles in 2012 and 2013.

He'll tee off at 12:30 p.m. in the same foursome with five-time Open champ Jonathan Burke, former high school state champ Eric Williams and Ryan Campbell.

Two groups ahead of Jones are four-time Open runner-up Nick Adams and Bradley Jones, who placed third last season.

A total of five strokes separated the top four finishers last year.

Adams has been beating on the title door.

"Knocking it down? Your guess is as good as mine," Adams said. "Most of the time, it's been good friends who have been winning. You're happy for them, but at the same time, you kind of want to get yours, too.

"Last year, when Dane won, it was really cool because he deserved it so much and he played great. At this point, I've paid my dues and maybe this year I can get one."

Golfers contend the Amateur can't be won on the first day.

Then again, it's easy to lose it as well.

Walnut Creek is a daunting par-72 layout that immediately presents a test on the tee box. Errant shots cause distress to the best players. If the ball lands on the green, it can easily get away from you depending on the roll.

Lane Tree is a fairly wide-open course that tests putting skills with undulating greens.

Avoiding the big numbers at Southern Wayne is critical.

"I've actually struggled at Southern Wayne," Adams said. "People think it's so short you can tear it up. You look back [at previous Amateurs] and see there are not a lot of great scores."

Lionel Sutton returns to as the two-time reigning Super Division champ.

He fired an Amateur-record, three-day total of 202 last season -- including a 65 at Lane Tree.

Runner-up Randy Adams was 15 strokes behind.

John Zambelli, a seven-time Amateur title-holder in two different divisions, is competing in the Open Division.

"I figured if I was going to do something different, I might as do something drastic," Zambelli said. "There's not much chance that a 70-year-old is going to do anything, but it will be fun. These boys are too good...will be fun to play with the guys who hit it a long ways."

Zambelli has appeared in 19 of 20 Amateurs.

"Z is a great competitor," Jones said. "I think it's great that he feels like his game is good enough to compete with the younger guys. He's well respected throughout the county. He's a solid wedge player and putter."

Mickey Nance goes after his third straight Masters Division title.

Jones and Adams enjoy the camaraderie of the Amateur and each understands that staying within striking distance keeps them in contention for the championship.

"If I go in Sunday in the final group and I'm right there, that's all I'm going to ask for because I think at this point I've got enough experience that I know what to expect, and I can handle it a little bit better," Adams said.

Time to hear a door fall?