By Mike Ewald , USGA Programs Associate

 

Luke List , 18, of Ringgold , Ga. , is not only one of the youngest players in the U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship at the East Course at Blue Heron Pines in Galloway , NJ , but is also one of two to have played in this year's U.S. Open Championship. 

 

“I tried not to think about the ( U.S. ) Open during qualifying, I just wanted to have a few good rounds and make my shots,” List said.

 

His wishful “good rounds” turned into a few great rounds as he won the medal at the 2003 U.S. Open sectional qualifier at Settindown Creek outside of Atlanta .

 

List shot 75-74 at Olympia Fields Country Club and missed the cut.

 

“It was great to see how the guys react to their shots,” List said. “I learned a lot about poise on and off of the golf course.

 

“I will definitely be back next year in the qualifying rounds.  I just need to take it one shot at a time.”

 

List is a 2003 graduate of Baylor High School in Chattanooga , Tenn.   A 2001 and 2002 Tennessee high school state champion, he will be attending Vanderbilt University this fall.

 

Besides this year’s U.S. Open, List's accomplishments include a 2001 victory at the Donald Ross Junior in Pinehurst , N.C. and another win at the 2002 World Com Junior. 

 

List's experience and talent would be a great addition to any college team's roster.  Why the Commodores?

 

"I had my decision narrowed down to five schools. Press McPhaul is a great coach," List said. "He turned the program around and made it a top 25 team."

 

As for his performance thus far in the Championship, List fired a 2-over 144 in the first two rounds of stroke play, and defeated Kevin Hall in the first round of match play Wednesday 2 and 1.  On Thursday, he ousted Jeff Gilchrist of Sacramento , Calif. , 5 and 4, in the second round, and Jason Harris of Clemmons , N.C. , 1 up in the third round.  He plays Timothy Kane of Simsbury , Conn. , Friday.

 

Even though he has played well so far, the course is not easy in his mind.

 

"This course (Blue Heron) reminds me a lot of Pumpkin Ridge in Oregon (the site of the 2003 U.S. Women's Open Championship)," List said anxiously. "These greens are funky, and birdie putts are the most important in match play.

 

"I just need to relax and make it easy on myself."