NIAGARA FALLS — Looking for a preview of the 51st annual Porter Cup, to be held just over a month from now at Niagara Falls Country Club?
Click on the TV at any point today.
Four golfers who will be part of what Porter Cup Tournament Director Steve Denn is calling “the strongest field in my tenure as director,” will be teeing it up today at Bethpage Black for the opening round of the U.S. Open.
Drew Weaver, who won the 2007 British Amateur and already has a Porter Cup appearance on his resume, will tee off on the first hole this morning at 7:11 a.m. At the same time, Drew Kittleson — also expected to be in this year’s Porter Cup field — will be starting off the back nine.
Two more players who are signed up to play in Lewiston, Tyson Alexander and Cameron Tringale, will tee off at 9:01 a.m. and 2:31 p.m., respectively.
“It’s pretty flattering, knowing that they’re playing in what might be the biggest tournament in the world, yet they're going to find time to fit the Porter Cup in that same schedule,” Denn said. “We take a lot of pride in that.”
Weaver, qualified for the Open at a sectional qualifier in Maryland, but he’s no stranger to big golf tournaments. Aside from his win at the British Amateur, the former Virginia Tech player played in 2007’s British Open and also played at the 2008 Masters.
He’s still looking to make his first pro cut, something that’s been tough to grasp considering his amateur success.
“It’s tough when you win a big golf tournament at a relatively early stage in your career,” Weaver told the Washington Post. “A lot of expectations get thrown on you, and that can be difficult. And for me it was. But toward the end of this spring, I’ve kind of been able to get back to normal and just play golf.”
Meanwhile, Alexander will become the third member of his family to play in the event, following in the footsteps of his father, Stewart, who played in the 1987 and 1994 U.S. Open, and grandfather Skip, who made appearances in five consecutive U.S. Opens from 1946 to 1950.
Tringale, a first-team all-American from Georgia Tech, tied for 11th in the 2007 Porter Cup and qualified for the Open in a qualifier held in Georgia.
“It’s definitely exciting. It was nice to qualify,” Tringale said. “I’m definitely looking forward to the experience at the Open.”
Kittleson, a junior from Florida State, was second in the U.S. Amateur and received exemptions for the Open and The Masters.
The excitement just gets the juices flowing for the directors of the Porter Cup, which starts July 21 at NFCC.
“Those guys are all locked down,” Denn said about the quartet. “We’ve got what’s shaping up to be a really great field.”
Contact sports editor Tim Schmitt at 282-2311, ext. 2266.
Porter Cup 2009
Related Photos
-
Cameron Tringale is among those players who are expected to play at the U.S. Open, then the Porter Cup. submitted photo
June 18, 2009
GOLF: U.S. Open to preview Porter Cup
- Porter Cup 2009
-
-
PORTER CUP: Rain couldn't compromise event
When the clouds finally cleared on Saturday, though, fans and organizers were treated to an incredible finish as Brendan Gielow, Andrew Yun and Cody Gribble went to a three-way playoff and Gielow captured the crown by sinking a chip from off the green on the third extra hole.
-
PORTER CUP: Gielow takes title in spectacular fashion
For all the talk of Doppler images, weather cells and emergency evacuations, the 51st Annual Porter Cup will rightfully be remembered for something more significant — the most scintillating finish in the tournament’s proud history.
- PORTER CUP NOTEBOOK: Wind is Mickelson downfall on final day Tim Mickelson had a feeling that a recent respite from golf might catch up to him at the 51st Annual Porter Cup.
-
PORTER CUP: Weather is the story after second round
The unfortunate story after Friday’s second round of the storied Porter Cup wasn’t who might emerge in Saturday’s final round, but if the round will be played at all. Tim Mickelson and Mike Van Sickle share the lead.
-
TIM'S TAKE: Reigning champ Mitchell tempers expectations
Adam Mitchell returned to NFCC to defend his crown, although he clearly understood that following last year’s performance would be no small feat.
-
PORTER CUP NOTEBOOK: Fresh from Open, Weaver keeps his focus
Drew Weaver was considered one of the favorites to win the 51st Annual Porter Cup at Niagara Falls Country Club.
That’s a little different than his recent appearance in the U.S. Open, where Weaver came in with little fanfare. -
PORTER CUP: Mother Nature claims second round
Porter Cup organizers had Thursday night marked for an annual trip that takes golfers and their families to the Maid of the Mist.
Turned out they got a preview of the world-famous thrill ride standing outside Niagara Falls Country Club. -
PORTER CUP: Mickelson among leaders after opening round
For one sizzling back nine, Niagara Falls Country Club played the role of safe haven for Tim Mickelson on Wednesday.
The wife of his well-known brother has been fighting through a publicized battle with breast cancer. His mother underwent surgery in a Houston hospital just a week ago for the same ailment. -
TIM'S TAKE: Captain Marucci still rolling along
As the captain of the 2009 Walker Cup team — the amateur equivalent of the Ryder Cup — it’s Marucci’s job to figure out who has the intestinal fortitude to represent the good ol’ U.S. of A. in the upcoming event, which will take place in September. The Americans have a two-match, four-year winning streak in hand and Marucci wants to build on his perfect 1-0 mark as team captain.
-
PORTER CUP NOTEBOOK: Rough forecast for upcoming rounds
After wreaking havoc on last year’s Porter Cup schedule, Mother Nature followed suit by handing the players a 50-minute fog delay before the opening round of the 2009 event on Wednesday.
- More Porter Cup 2009 Headlines
-
Vatican in Chaos After Butler Arrested for Leaks
Jimmy Carter Endorses Egypt's Election Results
Biden Addresses West Point Graduating Class
Dozens of Children Killed in New Syria Attack
Raw Video: Activists Allege Massacre in Syria
NJ Man Charged With Murder in Death of Patz
Support, Fun for Kids of Fallen Soldiers at Camp
Fugitive Penguin Caught, Returned to Aquarium
50 Years Later, Underground Fire Still Burning
Light Show Transforms Sydney Opera House
Raw Video: Unruly Passenger Restrained in Miami
Raw Video: Robber Uses Drive-thru Window
Raw Video: Dragon Arrives at Space Station
Calif.'s Coronado Named Nation's Best Beach
CEO Salaries Become Sore Issue in Labor Disputes
