Aug. 5, 2003

ARLINGTON, Texas - The University of Texas at Arlington golfer Pete Pennington has qualified for the United States Golf Association Amateur Championships to be held at the Oakmont Country Club in Oakmont, Pa., on August 18-24. Pennington is the first golfer under current head coach Jay Rees to qualify for the US Amateurs.

Pennington, a former second team all-state golfer from Granbury, qualified for the championships by finishing in a tie for second at the Texas Star Golf Course in Euless. Pennington shot a first round 70 and followed it up with a 71 in the second round to finish just one stroke behind champion Ryan Posey.

"I am really excited for Pete," said Rees. "This will be a great experience for he and his family. This shows the type of golfers we have at UTA and this can only bring positive attention to the program."

During his freshman season at UTA, Pennington competed at the Henry Griffiths Invitational hosted by Baylor and shot a 76-70-76=222, to finish second among his UTA teammates.

The winner of the USGA Amateur Championships earns an invitation to both the 2004 Masters in August, Ga. and the U.S. Open.