Jackson vaults up leaderboard at Sunnehanna Amateur
By Mike Dudurich • June 14, 2024
WESTMONT – University of Illinois rising sophomore Max Herendeen has painted quite a picture during his first three rounds of the Sunnehanna Amateur at Sunnehanna Country Club these last few days.
He’s been outstanding with rounds of 69, 66 and 65, and holds a one-shot lead over three players — Jase Summy, Zac Jones and Palmer Jackson — going into Saturday’s final round.
But it was Franklin Regional High School and University of Notre Dame graduate Jackson who turned in a masterpiece performance in the form of a 63, vaulting Jackson up the leaderboard to second and in a great position to make a serious run at the title Saturday.
It was a magnificent display by Jackson. Seven birdies, no bogeys, never in danger of making a bogey and …
“I probably left maybe 5 or 6 other birdies out there,” Jackson said. “I had real good looks on 4, 5, and 6 and didn’t make any of them. I wasn’t perfect, for sure. I hit the ball to the right a few times off the tee. But I am very happy.”The seven birdies Jackson made looked like this: No. 1 – 1 foot; 8 – 20 feet; 9 –10 feet; 11 – 2-putt from 40 feet; 13 – 5 feet; 17 – 8 feet; 18 – 1 foot.
“He was awesome,” said Jackson’s former teammate at Notre Dame, Rocco Salvitti. “I didn’t have the kind of day I wanted today, but it was great to watch Palmer play out there.”
Friday’s results set up what should be a final 18 holes of the first event in the 2024 Elite Amateur Series, with a shootout possible between Herendeen and Jackson as well there being 11 players within three shots of the lead.
The West Penn Golf Association will be represented by four players after the field was cut to the low 60 and ties following Friday’s round.
Salvitti recorded his second straight round in the 60’s with a 69 and is a tie for 22nd.
J.F. Aber, in his first Sunnehanna appearance, has improved in each round, shooting 72-70-69, and made the cut.
Another Franklin Regional graduate, Chuck Tragesser, posted a 70 to get into Saturday’s final round in his first appearance.
Missing the cut were:
Gregor Meyer, who shot a 69 Friday, finished at 5-over and Sam Lafferty, who improved each round as well, but finished 43 over par.
The final round gets underway Saturday at 8 a.m. with the leaders set to tee it up at 9:30 a.m.
About the WPGA
Founded in 1899, the Western Pennsylvania Golf Association is the steward of amateur golf in the region. Started by five Member Clubs, the association now has nearly 200 Member Clubs and 34,000 members. The WPGA conducts 14 individual competitions and 10 team events, and administers the WPGA Scholarship Fund and Western Pennsylvania Golf Hall of Fame.