July 27, 2005

Webb Simpson of Raleigh, a rising sophomore at Wake Forest, shot a 7-under-par 63 yesterday at Stonebridge Golf Club in Monroe and took a four-shot victory in a sectional qualifier for next month's U.S. Amateur Golf Championship.

Simpson had a two-day total of 131 after opening with a 68. Jack Ferguson of High Point and Robert Riesen of Pinehurst tied for second (135), and Bryant Hare of St. Simon's Island, Ga., was fourth (136) to lock up the other qualifying spots. Alex Brenner of Charlotte and Stuart Moore of Gainesville, Ga., were the first and second alternates.

Deacon senior Kyle Reifers will also play in the U.S. Amateur. He earned a spot in the field after being named to the Walker Cup team earlier this month.

The U.S. Amateur will be Aug. 22-28 at Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pa.