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Inverness resident claims spot in USGA event this month

Photo courtesy of Sam Audia III.

In August, Sam Aduia III was in Georgia on the golf course, and he surveyed the field. A slew of other golfers surrounded him, each paired with bag the size of his own, and each with someone else to carry it.

He called his caddy, Arnab Goshal, a friend from high school and regular weekend golfing buddy. Goshal was at his home in Inverness, moments from where Audia lives and hours from where Audia was at the time.

“I gave him a hard time for not being dedicated to the cause. All in good fun, of course,” Audia said. “Then, I walked to the first tee of the qualifier. I was handed my scorecard, and an official asked, ‘Where’s your caddy.’

“I don’t have one,” Audia said.

“You know you have to walk, right?” the official replied.

Audia was staring at thousands of yards in front of him and a hundred pounds at his side. His bag was loaded with extra balls and a range finder he couldn’t even use. It looked like it was going to be the first time since college that Audia, now 30 years old, would walk a full 18 carrying his bag.

“I was calling to give [Goshal] a hard time,” Audia said. “I should’ve told him to get in his car.”

The good news is Goshal will have an opportunity to redeem himself. 

Walking that day didn’t disturb Audia’s game at all. He shot a 69 at the Frog Golf Club at the Georgian, taking first place from a field of more than 100. 

The win qualified him for a spot in the 2013 USGA Mid-Amateur Championship – or Mid-Am as it’s commonly known – being played in his hometown this month.

Scheduled for an Oct. 5 start, Audia will join 263 other golfers at The Country Club in Birmingham for a shot at prime time play, as the winner receives an automatic invitation to play in the Masters. 

The tournament was founded in 1981 because young golfers were starting to dominate amateur tournaments. Golfers in college were able to practice more and were likely headed to the professional level, giving them a significant advantage over the older contestants. The USGA decided it needed something for golfers who were not practicing every single day but were still serious about the sport. The Mid-Amateur Championship was born.

The minimum age to compete is 25. Qualifying tournaments took place around the nation in August, including a qualifier at Shoal Creek. 

Audia is originally from Huntsville but has been living on the 280 corridor for about three years. His parents, avid golfers as well, are Greystone residents and members at Greystone Golf and Country Club.

For Audia, golf was a family activity growing up. Not only did he play with his parents a couple times a week, but he was also active in junior golf programs in North Alabama.

After high school, Audia committed to play for Troy University on a golf scholarship. But while there, he found trouble recapturing the joy of the game. 

“After many years of playing competitively, I got burnt out,” he said. “It became more work than fun. I wanted to enjoy the college experience, so I transferred to Auburn [University] and never regretted the decision.”

Audia didn’t play competitively at Auburn. In fact, he hasn’t played competitively in a while. The Mid-Am will be his first “real tournament” since 2006, he said.

“Anytime you’re playing in USGA event, it’s a privilege just to be there,” he said. “These are marquis events especially for amateurs who have friends family that will come, making it more meaningful to be out there.”

In addition, the Mid-Am offers Audia and other golfers a special chance to compete on a national stage without facing the typical dregs of tournament play.

“When I qualified for this tournament, a Georgia State Golf Association officiant said the Mid-Am is favorite event to go to,” Aduia said. “Think about it — it’s not the U.S. Open. We’re not playing for million of dollars competing against not kids in college with professional aspirations. It’s all a bunch of guys 25 and older. For that demographic, this is it. This is our U.S. Open.” 

When Audia takes steps up to his first tee on Oct. 5, he said that’s exactly what he’ll be thinking about. Also, that his high school buddy will be close by all day.

“I’ll be walking this time, but at least won’t have to carry my bag,” Audia said.

2013 U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship Useful Information 

Spectator Parking & Shuttles

Spectator Parking lots are located at the Birmingham Zoo (2630 Cahaba Road) and at the Junior League Headquarters (2212 20th Ave. S.) Shuttles will run between spectator lots and The Country Club of Birmingham from Oct. 3-10 from 6 a.m.-6 p.m.

Spectator Admission

The Championship is open to the public, and there is no admission charge.

General Information

Championship Schedule

Saturday, Oct. 5: Medal Play (264 Players – East & West Courses)

Sunday, Oct. 6:  Medal Play – Second Day

Monday, Oct. 7: Match Play Begins (64 Players – West Course)

Tuesday, Oct. 8: Match Play (32 Players - West Course)

Wednesday, Oct. 9: Match Play Quarterfinals & Semifinals

Thursday, Oct. 10: Match Play Finals & Awards Ceremony

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