Up to par

By Charles Guthrie

Golf is one of the most challenging sports for people of all ages. It’s a game that tests an individual’s patience like none other.

In arguably the most aggravating game that has even the best golfers in the world breaking their clubs in half after tee-off shots land in the woods, senior Tyler Brewington has found a way to play it masterfully.

During the fall season, Brewington’s name could be seen near the top of the leaderboard at every tournament, as he finished no worse than third individually all season.

“Every time I teed it up I felt like I had a chance to win,” Brewington said.

Before the fall semester even started, the senior golfer was given a chance to play on a big stage.
He received one of two sponsor exemptions given to the best pro and amateur in the area to play in the Northeast Pennsylvania Classic on the PGA Nationwide Tour in Scranton, Pa. and the 107th annual U.S. Amateur Tournament in San Francisco, Calif.

At the PGA Nationwide Tour, the top 25 players that finish in the money get to play in the PGA.

“The course was really nice,” he said. “There were a lot of good players and I was lucky to get picked. These guys are really good; they’re literally one or two strokes away from making the PGA.”

Brewington shot four over par for the event, putting him six shots over the cut, which was two under par.

“I hit the ball pretty well,” he said. “There was one par three where I shot a five over that probably cost me the cut. I wasn’t making my putts and was a bit nervous playing in this big tournament.”

The U.S. Amateur Tournament was the first Brewington has taken part in and is a tournament that golfers must qualify for.

“The top 300 guys are there,” he said. “I would say it’s the greatest amateur event in the world.”

Brewington came in 144th place and missed the cut in the second round by five shots when he shot a four over 74.

“I played good but I was a little nervous,” he said. “My swing was a little quick and I didn’t calm down until the final 18 holes. It was a great experience.”

The three-time all-MAAC recipient gained experience in those tournaments that helped him in the fall season as he came in first two times, finished runner-up in two others, and also came in third.

Of all the tournaments, Brewington said the Mount St. Mary’s Fall Classic, was his best of the semester.
“I didn’t shoot bad, necessarily,” he said. “I had a few bad swings and a few bad putts that put me behind.”

In that tournament, he shot a 74 on Day One that put him in 18th place, but was able to battle back and win the event on Day Two after a two-hole playoff.

“It was big for me,” he said. “I knew that after being behind that everything was still good because if I shot a 68 or 69 that I could win it.”

Despite the solid effort, Brewington said there are still areas for improvement.

“My goal is to win every tourney,” he said. “I had some struggles during the season, and I’ll look to work on those for next season.”

The golf team is looking to get back into the swing of things for the spring season after a disappointing fall. Like others on the team have stressed, Brewington said these guys have the talent to become serious contenders.

“We were a young team in the fall,” Brewington said. “We have a lot of potential and I think everything will go well for the team. Since I’ve been here, we haven’t won a MAAC title, and I would love to get one before I graduate.”

After he graduates, the golf standout has aspirations of playing in the pros.

“I plan on playing as an amateur during the summer,” he said. “In the fall, I hope to turn pro and I’ll see how that goes.”

The way he’s playing, going pro is a real possibility.