SMU Senior Takes U.S. Amateur Title
Denton native and SMU senior Kelly Kraft took home the 2011 U.S. Amateur Championship golf title Sunday, defeating the world’s number one ranked player in the process.
Kraft, 22, beat UCLA star Patrick Cantlay 2-up, in the 36-hole final, held at Erin Hills, in Erin, Wis. By winning the tournament, Kraft earned a spot in next year’s U.S. Open, British Open, and Masters, along with a slot on this year’s Walker Cup team.
Joining Kraft on that squad will be Jesuit grad Jordan Speith, who was eliminated during the tournament’s quarterfinals.
Kraft’s NCAA eligibility is up, but he intends to finish his sociology degree this year.
“I have no idea what my classes are,” Kraft said, according to the Associated Press. “I sent all my teachers emails. I hope they’re not going to see this, but I haven’t looked at any of the syllabuses or anything. They’re not going to be happy with me missing more school for the Walker Cup, either. It’s OK, though.”
