In a recent article posted on the United States Golf Association (USGA) website, writer David Shefter discusses the decision of Steve Smyers, ASGCA to file an entry for the 2010 USGA Senior Amateur competition.
Smyers stays busy with his golf architecture design business and his duties as a member of the USGA Executive Committee. As the Senior Amateur entry deadline approached, Smyers procrastinated in deciding whether to enter.
However, the competition was held at the Lake Nona Golf and Country Club, and Smyers redesigned the community’s sister course across town. In addition, several of his close friends reside in the community, and Smyers knows the course well, so he decided to sign up, and ended up earning the final qualifying spot, writes Shefter.
Smyers was recruited to play at the University of Florida, but rather than pursue a career as a player, after college, he landed a job with a golf architect. In 1983, Smyers formed his own architectural firm and has since done more than 60 projects, reports Shefter. Between work and USGA Executive Committee duties, Smyers is on the road for almost half the year, so fitting in practice for the competition may have been his true test.
According to the article, Smyers headed into the tournament with high expectations, saying, “I’m going there with determination, that’s for sure.” Smyers had his oldest son Trent serve as his caddie, with support from his wife Sherrin, the local community, and his fellow Executive Committee members as well.
To read about the results of the Senior Amateur competition, please visit here. To read Shefter’s original article in its entirety, please visit here.
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