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Tommy McDonagh is back in the U.S. Amateur for the third time in four years. The St. Luke's grad and current Penn State junior says he is getting more consistent on the course and is hoping for his best showing yet at the biggest amateur event of the year. No matter how many times McDonagh qualifies for such a prestigious event, he says it never gets old.
"How could it?" McDonagh says with a laugh. "It's by far the best tournament of the year and a highlight for anybody. I don't care how many time you've played in it."
McDonagh qualified for the U.S. Amateur after finishing in the top three at a Met Am event at Wee Burn Country Club in Darien. He made it to the semi-finals of match play in what he called a "brutal" tournament. McDonagh says the key to his recent success is that he has found his putting stroke this summer after switching to a cross-hand grip. With three U.S. Amateur appearances and contributing to the Penn State varsity team, all signs seem to be pointing to a bright future. Given his record, McDonagh may one day get to play alongside PGA pros, including his favorite golfer, Rory McIlroy.
"It's in the back of my head," McDonagh says. "Obviously I have to keep getting better, but that's something I've always dreamed of. I have two more years of college, then I'll make a decision after that. I'm definitely leaning toward going pro."
McDonagh, a graduate of St. Luke's in New Canaan, lived in Wilton for most of his life until his family moved to Norwalk last year. The 110th U.S. Amateur Championship will be held Aug. 23 to 29 at Chambers Bay Golf Club in University Place, Wash.
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