Matt NeSmith boosts US Walker Cup team selection prospects with South Carolina win

FROM GOLFWEEK.COM
BLUFFTON, South Carolina – From the southern hospitality to the oppressive heat, everything about the Players Amateur screams Lowcountry. On Sunday at Berkeley Hall’s North Course, one of South Carolina’s own walked away with the title and the promise of a US PGA Tour start next year at Harbour Town Golf Links.
So many times in five previous starts at the Players Amateur, Matt NeSmith, 21, would hang around the top 10 all week but couldn’t take advantage.

The Players Amateur truly is an endurance test. Temperatures reached the triple digits as players slugged out four trips around Berkeley Hall. NeSmith carried his own bag even though caddies are allowed.
NeSmith trailed third-round leader Chase Koepka by five shots at the start of the day.
NeSmith put up a final-round 65 to finish at 13 under for the week.
“It’s the best final round I’ve ever had to win a golf tournament,” NeSmith said without hesitation.
It has probably won him a place in the US team for the Walker Cup match against GB and I at Royal Lytham September 12-13.