Mark Goetz breezes to first Westmoreland County Amateur golf title

Mark Goetz began Sunday’s final round of the 52nd annual Westmoreland County Amateur with a seemingly comfortable five-shot lead.

But a problem on the third hole at Totteridge Golf Course near Hannastown gave hope for the rest of the field. Goetz, a Greensburg native and rising junior at West Virginia, had a triple-bogey seven after hitting his tee shot and provisional into a hazard.

Despite Goetz’s struggle, the field couldn’t take advantage, and he breezed to his first title. Goetz shot an even-par 72 and finished at 7-under-par 137.

“It was a struggle early,” Goetz said. “I missed a birdie putt on No. 2 and then hit it in the hazard on No. 3. I was getting into the high stuff (fescue) too much.”

Sean Knapp, a first-year participant in the event and one of the top amateurs in the country, said Goetz made some incredible shots.

“He was in trouble on the front nine a few times and was able to recover,” Knapp said. “He gave us an opening, and we didn’t take advantage. He played extremely well. I played well. I just didn’t make some putts. He executed when he needed to.”

Knapp began the day in second place at 2-under. He shot a 3-over 75 and placed third with a 1-over 145.

Four-time champion Arnie Cutrell of Hempfield and Greensburg’s Brian Fajt began the day tied fourth at 1-over. Cutrell shot a 2-under 70 and finished second with a 1-under 143.

Ligonier’s B.J. Torau, who began the day tied for third with returning champion Brady Pevarnik of Latrobe, finished tied for fourth with Fajt and North Huntingdon’s Jon Germock.

Germock had the best round of the day, a 3-under 69.

Pevarnik, who shot an even 72 during the first round, withdrew with an ankle injury. The Latrobe grad who will be playing golf at Penn State in the fall is playing in the West Penn Open, which begins Tuesday at Valley Brook Country Club.

The other golfer to withdraw was Brandon Antus, who left to catch a flight for the British Open. Antus is a caddie.

“I really wanted to go 10-under for the tournament,” Goetz said. “It’s nice to win this event. I consider myself a good putter, and my putter saved me. When I saw Sean and B.J. not making a run, I was able to relax a little as played continued.”