STATESBORO – Georgia Southern men's golf will be well represented at the 119th playing of the U.S. Amateur at Pinehurst in August.

Sophomores Ben Carr and Colin Bowles advanced to the prestigious tournament through qualifying while Steven Fisk earned an exemption because of his top-10 world amateur ranking (currently eighth).

Bowles made birdie on the first playoff hole at Jennings Mills July 23 to punch his ticket after shooting 68-71 (-5). Carr shot 67-64 (-9) to win medalist honors at the Crabapple Course in Atlanta July 18. 

"To qualify for the most prestigious amateur event in the United States alongside two of my teammates is pretty special," said Bowles. "It has always been a goal, and I can't wait to get started. There's no better place to play than Pinehurst."

"It is a huge honor to have qualified to play in The US Amateur at one of the most historic venues in all of golf," added Carr. "It will be a lot of fun having two teammates and friends of mine competing in the event. I'm looking forward to the week."

A pair of rising sophomores also had good showings at their respective sites as Mason Williams, who played in last year's US Am at Pebble Beach, shot 68-69 (-7) and finished tied for third to earn second alternate status in Louisville, and Wilson Andress lost in a playoff after shooting 72-68 at the Chapel Hill, North Carolina, site. He also earned second alternate status.

The 119th playing of the U.S. Am will be contested at Pinehurst No. 2 and Pinehurst No. 4 in North Carolina Aug. 12-18. Competitors at the US Am play 18 holes on each course the first two days, and the top-64 competitors advance to match play, which begins Wednesday.

"The US amateur is the biggest amateur event in the world, and we are very proud to have two current Eagles and one recent Eagle in the field, competing at the highest level," said Georgia Southern coach Carter Collins. "Georgia Southern will be well represented at Pinehurst, and I can't wait for those guys to get started!"

Along with the prestigious Havemeyer Trophy, among the spoils for the winner is an exemption from local and sectional qualifying for the next U.S. Open, an exemption from qualifying for the next 10 U.S. Amateurs, an exemption from qualifying for the next British Open Championship and a likely invitation to the next Masters.

The Eagles return 10 lettermen, including four of the five players who were in the lineup for the Sun Belt Championship and throughout their run to the NCAA Championships Finals, to the 2019-20 roster.