Fox Chapel resident Gregor Meyer wins his 1st Westmoreland County Amateur title

Talk about a timely weather delay Sunday during the final round of the Westmoreland County Golf Association’s Amateur Tournament at Hannastown Golf Club.

First-round leader Gregor Meyer was struggling during the front nine. Then a thunderstorm roared through Greensburg and stopped play for about an hour.

That break gave Meyer time to eat and get refocused.

Meyer then finished strong, birdieing two of his final three holes, to capture his first Westmoreland County Amateur.

The High Point sophomore and Fox Chapel resident was eligible to play in the tournament because he is a member at Hannastown.

“I didn’t think I could play since I live in Allegheny County,” Meyer said. “I was excited to play against all these guys. I’ve gotten to know a lot of them, and it’s been a lot of fun competing against them.”

Meyer shot his second consecutive 1-under-par 69 to finish the two-day tournament at 2-under 138.

Murrysville native and Notre Dame sophomore Palmer Jackson was runner-up with his second consecutive 1-over 71 to finish at 2-over 142. A double bogey on No. 18 and a rough front nine during Day 1 proved costly for Jackson.

Greensburg’s Kevin Fajt, who had the best round Sunday, a 2-under 68, and finished third with a 3-over 143. Ligonier native B.J. Torau was fourth with a 143 after Fajt was awarded third on a scorecard playoff.

Jeannette’s Ron DeNunzio was fifth (144), Greensburg’s Brian Fajt was sixth (145) and Dave DeNunzio was seventh (145).

Meyer has had a busy month, and it will continue for at least another month.

He shot a course record 62 at Edgewood Country Club this week at the Pennsylvania Golf Association’s West qualifier. He also won a PAGA Amateur qualifier at Hannastown and recently earned a spot in the Sunnehanna Amateur, which begins July 19.

After receiving his trophy, Meyer and his mom, Ursula, jumped in their car and headed to York, where he will play in the R. Jay Sigel Pennsylvania Amateur Match Play tournament Monday at the Country Club of York.

He also is playing in the PAGA Amateur and Open tournaments and the West Penn Amateur when it is rescheduled.

Meyer said his focus Sunday was just trying to play the best he could.

“I try to make birdie every time,” he said. “I’m not thinking about all the scenarios. Once I get to the final few holes, yeah. If I make birdies, I can stay ahead of a lot of the guys.”

Meyer said the break really helped.

“My mood changed dramatically,” he said. “The front nine was horrible. I needed some food. I forgot my snacks before I went out, and I was all shaky throughout the front nine. I couldn’t get anything going. Once the delay came, I was able to refuel, and I got the back nine rolling.

“I was a lot more comfortable this summer.”

It was a lot better than his freshman year of college when he didn’t shoot one round under par in the fall and the spring.

“We have a deal at college where you have to earn your jumpsuit if you shoot under par,” Meyer said. “I didn’t earn mine. My coach said my hard work this summer was good, and he’s sending me a jumpsuit.”

The senior winner was Greensburg’s Vince Zachetti, who shot 72 during the final round to finish at 152. Greensburg’s Jeff Mankins was the junior winner at 153.