After 16 years, Smith wins Sunnehanna Amateur in playoff

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Nathan Smith of Pittsburgh holds the championship trophy after winning the 58th Sunnehanna Amateur Tournament for Champions on Sunday at Sunnehanna Country Club in Westmont. Dave Lloyd
Lee Bedford of Cary, N.C., tees off on No. 10 during the 58th Sunnehanna Amateur Tournament for Champions on Sunday at Sunnehanna Country Club in Westmont. Dave Lloyd
Zac Blair of Ogden, Utah, hits out of the sand on No. 18 during the 58th Sunnehanna Amateur on Sunday. Dave Lloyd

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June 12, 2011

Mike Mastovich mmastovich@tribdem.com The Tribune-Democrat Sun Jun 12, 2011, 11:31 PM EDT

JOHNSTOWN — Nathan Smith had waited 16 years to don the green jacket and hold the crystal trophy on the 18th green at Sunnehanna Country Club.

An extra four holes and one more rain delay didn’t seem all that long on Sunday.

Pittsburgh’s Smith emerged from a three-way tie for first place to win a four-hole playoff and claim the championship of the 58th Sunnehanna Amateur Tournament for Champions.

“I’ve been down here a lot of years and I might be the first person to finish last and finish first,” Smith said, addressing a gallery of fans during the awards ceremony.

Smith finished at 8-under 272 for the tournament, tied with BYU’s Zac Blair and Wake Forest All-American Lee Bedford.

In his 10th Sunnehanna Amateur, Smith looked like a veteran as he closed with two birdies on the final five holes and then posted two more birdies in the playoff that was held on Nos. 17, 18, 1 and 2.

“I was just trying to fight as hard as I could all day,” Smith said. “I kept an eye on the scoreboard. I managed to have a few breaks go my way. I managed to make a few.”

Bedford and Blair tied for second.

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After 16 years, Smith wins Sunnehanna Amateur in playoff

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