Hirschman seeking place in history at Southeast Amateur

In the long history of the Southeastern Amateur — it started in 1922 — there have been only 10 golfers who have won back-to-back championships.

But there has been just one — Frank Garrard Jr., who won three straight. He did so in 1929-31.

Grant Hirschman of Collierville, Tenn., will take his chance to join Garrard this week in the 2016 Southeastern Amateur, which gets underway Wednesday morning at the Country Club of Columbus.

“It would definitely be cool to accomplish something like that,” Hirschman said. “I like to be a part of history.

“But I will treat this tournament just like I do other ones. This won’t put any extra pressure on me.”

Hirschman needed a playoff to win over Shad Tuten two years ago. Last year, Hirschman breezed to the win by three shots over Jared Bettcher.

On his way to last year’s win, Hirschman shot a 62 in the second round. The 62 broke the post-renovation (2002) and tied the all-time course record.

He missed the post-renovation record for 72 holes (208) by one shot.

“I am always looking forward to returning to a place where I have had success,” Hirschman said. “And Columbus Country Club is one of my favorite courses. I enjoy everything about it. The set-up seems perfect for me.”

Hirschman just finished his sophomore season at Oklahoma, where he helped the Sooners to the match-play portion of the NCAA tournament for the first time. He also helped the Sooners to the Big 12 championship by shooting a 63, which was a school record and a Big 12 championship record.

“I had a good year overall,” Hirschman said. “I started to play better toward the end of the year.”

Fifty-two players played in Tuesday’s qualifier for four berths in the tournament. Nix Duncan (Augusta, Ga.), Philip Knowles (Bradenton, Fla.) and Michael Mattiace (Jacksonville, Fla.) all shot 3-under 67s to earn the first three spots. Ethan Wagner shot a 2-under 68.

Notes: Hirschman is also trying to become the sixth player to win three Southeastern Amateur. Allen Doyle is the only one to win more than three as he has won five. … Players from Columbus in the field are Bobby Brent III, Stanton Schorr, Evans Copeland, Charlie Flowers, James Clark, Ben Carr and Parker Derby. … Columbus State golfers in the field include Gideon van der Vyver and TaeHung Kim.

This story was originally published June 14, 2016 at 6:03 PM with the headline "Hirschman seeking place in history at Southeast Amateur."