Gainesville High graduate and University of Georgia freshman Spencer Ralston earned a spot in the 2016 United States Amateur on Tuesday at the United States Golf Association (USGA) qualifier at Newnan Country Club in Newnan.
Ralston birdied three of the final six holes to get to a playoff against Georgia State’s JJ Grey.
Ralston defeated Grey with a birdie on the first playoff hole, finishing with a 2-under 68 for the day. He shot a 1-over 71 in Monday’s opening round.
The last Gainesville High golfer to make the U.S. Amateur before Jackson Bishop (who qualified last week) and Ralston was Stuart Moore in 2004 at Oakmont Country Club in Philadelphia (Penn.) while a member of University of Auburn’s golf team.
One of the most prestigious amateur golf events in the world, the U.S. Amateur will be held Aug. 15-21 at Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield Township, Mich.