June 26, 2009

PULLMAN - Washington State University rising senior Austin Hurt set a Palouse Ridge Golf Club record Friday, capping an incredible comeback to win the 83rd Washington State Golf Association's Men's Amateur Championship.

The Bainbridge Island, Wash., native began the final round nine strokes back of the leader, but fired a 7-under 65 - a course record at Palouse Ridge - to jump to the top of the leaderboard. Hurt had posted an opening-round 81 (+9), but remained within striking distance after carding back-to-back second- and third-round scores of 69 (-3). Hurt's four-round total of 284 (-4) gave him the tournament victory by one stroke.

"Wow, what a fantastic round of golf by Austin!" WSU Head Coach Walt Williams said. "The Cougars made a great showing in this year's Amateur Championship."

Hurt had a number of teammates competing in the event, including rising senior Kevin Tucker (Kennewick, Wash.), who finished in eighth place with a total of 289 (+1). Nick Ellis, a rising junior out of East Wenatchee, Wash., finished tied for 12th with a 292 (+4).

Future Cougar Hank Frame (Spokane, Wash.) showcased what looks to be a promising WSU career. Frame, who will join the Cougars in 2009-10, finished tied for 14th with a 294 (+6), including a 3-under 69 in the second round. Kyle Hurt, the younger brother of tournament victor Austin and another individual joining the Cougar fold next season, finished tied for 53rd with a 310 (+22).

Former Cougar David Fern (Spokane, Wash.) was one of only seven individuals finishing even-par or better, completing the tournament with a 288 (E), tying for sixth place.

--wsucougars.com--