Sophomore golfer wins playoff to qualify for 2012 U.S. Amateur

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Sophomore Pat Cermak qualified for the 2012 United States Amateur Monday after carding a one-under par 143 (72-71) over 36 holes at Oakwood Country Club in Coal Valley, Ill.

Cermak’s one-under score put him in a four-man playoff, and his par on the first playoff hole earned him a trip to Cherry Hills (Colorado) Country Club for the U.S. Amateur Aug. 13-19.

The Chicago native drained a 30-foot birdie putt on the 17th hole and made par on No. 18 to qualify for the playoff.

“It’s going to very exciting to play in the U.S. Amateur, and it’s something I’ve really worked hard to achieve,” Cermak said. “I played steady throughout the day and making that birdie putt late was really big for me.”

Cermak competed in all but one tournament for the Rockets last year with his best round coming with a one-over par 73 at the Firestone Invitational.