PNGA crowns champions at men’s, women’s amateurs

Sam Renner of Bend, Ore., defeated Nilay Naik of Lake Oswego, Ore., 4&3 in the final match to win the 123rd PNGA Men’s Amateur, held at Sunriver (Ore.) Resort.

Renner, who won this championship last year, accomplished a feat not seen in the modern era by successfully defending his title. He is the first back-to-back winner since PNGA Hall of Famer Jim McLean won titles in 1971 and 1972.

Since the championship was first held in 1899, only six players had won back-to-back titles. Other than McLean, the other five players include Ron Willey (1959, 1960), Harry Givan (1945 and 1946, and also 1936 and 1937), Jack Westland (who three-peated in 1938, 1939 and 1940), George Von Elm (1921 and 1922) and R.L. MacLeay (who also three-peated in 1903, 1904 and 1905).

Renner now adds his name to this illustrious list.

 In his match against Naik, Renner immediately charged from the gate, winning the first hole and never looking back. Although score is technically not kept in match play, Renner shot a 30 on the first nine, and 62 for the morning 18, which put him 6-up in the match at the break after the first 18 holes of the championship.