Aug. 18, 2008
Former University of New Mexico men’s golfer Paul Simson (1970-73) and current Lobo senior Parker Pemberton teed off at the 2008 U.S. Amateur in Pinehurst, N.C. today. Both golfers played the par 70, 7,281-yard No. 4 Course at the Pinehurst Resort. Pemberton is currently tied for 213th with a 6-over 76 while Simson is tied for 269th with an 8-over 78.
The pair has a lot of ground to make up on the leaders who all shot 67 today. Of the 312 golfers who compete in the 36-hole stroke play, only 64 advance to Wednesday’s match play portion of the U.S. Amateur. The top 69 players shot 72 or better with three groups left to play.
Pemberton tees off on No. 1 of the famed Pinehurst No. 2 at 11:15 a.m. (M.D.T.) on Tuesday while Simson goes off on No. 10 at 12:15 p.m. (M.D.T.).
Pemberton is entering his senior year at New Mexico. His 74.25 stroke average was the third lowest on the team last season. Simson was a two-time All-WAC performer for UNM in 1972 and 1973. He was also an All-American in 1973 when he tied for fifth at the NCAA Championships. His fifth place showing is tied for the best showing at the NCAAs by a Lobo in school history.
Television coverage of the U.S. Amateur begins with the match play on Wednesday on the Golf channel. For complete coverage of the 2008 U.S. Amateur visit www.usamateur.org.