Published: July 02, 2009 10:33 pm      

Green eyes title second time around at State Amateur

Andrew Green is hoping a busy summer will pay off. The Central Oklahoma standout has put in plenty of time with his driver and putter, with the hopes of winning a title at the State Amateur Championship, a feat he narrowly missed a year ago.

“I’ve been really getting ready for it this summer,” Green said. “I know I’m hitting the ball well going into it and I hope I can go all the way this year.”

One thing Green won’t have to worry about when he tees off Monday at The Territory in Duncan is defending champion Rhein Gibson. The four-time NAIA All-American from Oklahoma Christian, who held off a late push by Green last year at Gaillardia Country Club will not be defending his title, after turning pro this year.

Green, who earned All-America recognition in his freshman year with the Bronchos, said that tough battle with Gibson gives him plenty of confidence heading into this year’s event.

“That was very big, just being able to battle back and know I was meant to be there. And I’m hoping this year maybe that can be me,” Green said.

While Gibson will not be back, the next three top finishers from a year ago will be in the hunt. Joining Green will be 2008 semifinalists Zac Pool of Poteau and Chris Wilson of Tulsa.

Green figures to have plenty of competition from a talented group of college players in including fellow UCO teammates Bae Aneshansley, Matt Charlson, Derek Franco, Colby Shrum and Dillon Rust. Other collegiate golfers competing include; OC’s Jordan Cook and Rob Jarvis, Texas A&M’s Geoff Shaw, Vanderbilt’s Ben Klaus and Georgia’s Will Kropp.

The annual event has also attracted several of the state’s top recent high school graduates. Bartlesville’s Nathan Hughes, who won the 6A individual state title, 5A individual medalist Majors Karsten of Bixby, Putnam City North’s Logan McCracken, Memorial’s Travis Arnold and Santa Fe’s Landon Morgan will all be vying for the title.

Former Kansas State golfer Robert Streb and Memorial boys’ golf coach Josh Fosdick are also competing

The tournament begins Monday at 8 a.m. with stroke play, which will narrow the field to 64. Match play will run Tuesday through Thursday.