WILMINGTON, Del. – The hands of time clicked quickly for Aaron Williams when he didn’t even know how important each tick was.
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Following a Top 3 in the 2024 Delaware Amateur at White Clay Creek Country Club, Williams was pleased with the result. He’d later learn much more about why it was important.
As a result, he earned exemptions into the Philadelphia Amateur, Philadelphia Open and Joseph H. Patterson Cup for the following year. Top 3 and ties earn spots into the respective fields.
“It has been so good getting to play in all of these GAP events,” Williams, 22, of Owings Mills, Md., said. “When I played well in the Delaware Amateur last year, I had no idea the exemptions that came with it. Being able to get into the Philadelphia Amateur, Philadelphia Open and Patterson Cup is awesome. The events are so well run and the courses are even better. The events are a distance from home but making the trip is always worth it.”
Williams, an amateur from Bayside Resort Golf Club, continues to make the most of his opportunities. After making match play in the Philadelphia Amateur, Williams sits in a tie for sixth after an opening round of 70 in the first round of the 121st Philadelphia Open Wednesday at Bidermann Golf Course (par 72, 6,934 yards).
“Right now, I feel pretty good with my driver,” Williams said. “I feel as long as you can keep it out of the fescue, you can score pretty well. The course isn’t terribly long but there are some challenging holes. A good drive will usually get you a short iron into the green. Being in the fairway helps.”
Williams sparked his round early with four birdies in his first 12 holes. Highlighted by clanging in a 40-footer on No. 17 (par 4, 413 yards) after hitting a pitching wedge from 151 yards in the rough. He also made a classy birdie on No. 2 (par 5, 506 yards) after laying up into the fairway bunker. A sandy sand wedge from 110 yards to 12 feet put him at 4 under.
Two bogeys coming in dampened his spirits but he’s still positive about his outlook for the final round Thursday.
“I think if I keep doing what I did today, I feel good about making a run,” Williams said. “I could maybe change my approach off of a couple of tee boxes but I was happy with the game plan. It was the first time I saw the course. I am in a position where I will have to stay relatively aggressive. If the wedges and putter cooperate I could have a chance to shoot a good score. I did learn a bit about better targets I can pick off the tee. I’ll make those adjustments Thursday.”
Williams is a rising senior at the University of South Carolina Beaufort. He transferred from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Ariz. after his freshman year. This past season, USC Beaufort won the Peach Belt Conference Golf Championship. Its worst finish as a team was second place during the spring season.
“I wanted to have more of an opportunity to compete,” Williams said. “That’s why I transferred. I wanted to be able to make an impact. USC Beaufort has given me a great opportunity and I’ve really enjoyed my time there.”
While the proverbial clock ticks for Williams’ college career his fascination with time hasn’t. And for the time being his GAP clock hasn’t struck midnight.
“I am a huge watch guy,” Williams said. “I love vintage watches. I am a huge geek about that. My dad had a few watches over the years and when I was young he gave me an orange Ashworth watch, which is actually a golf company. I’ve been wearing a watch since I was young. I have been fascinated by them.”
Kyle Early and the Philadelphia Open haven’t gotten along as well as the Waynesborough Country Club Assistant Golf Professional would have liked.
With his best finish (59th) coming in the 2022 edition at Philadelphia Cricket Club (Wissahickon), this will be Early’s second cut made in his three appearances.
“I haven’t had the most success in this tournament,” Early said. “It is always hot during this tournament so for me staying hydrated is something that is vital. I haven’t been the best with that.”
Early fired his best first round score in his Philadelphia Open history with a round of 72 Wednesday at Bidermann Golf Course (par 72, 6,934 yards).
“My game has definitely been trending in the right direction of late,” Early, 31, of Bridgeport, Pa., said. “For me, Bidermann was new and I needed to work hard to prepare. I took a lot of looks online and through GPS to get a game plan. I tried to find the easiest shots out there.”
Early, in his seventh year as an assistant at Waynesborough, made the turn inauspiciously in 2 over. But on his inward nine, Early closed in 2 under. Highlighted by birdies on Nos. 2 (par 5, 506 yards), 5 (par 4, 409 yards), and 6 (par 5, 545 yards). He crunched a 52-degree wedge from 130 yards to 10 feet on No. 2, buried a 6-footer on No. 5 and a 5-footer on No. 6.
“For me, golf is always a work in progress,” Early said. “My game has definitely gotten more consistent over the years. My bad days are much better. My range of success has definitely increased. Staying in it mentally and not making huge mistakes is key.”
Post graduation from Penn State University’s Professional Golf Management program in 2017, Early spent a year working in Arizona. Then he came back home to work at Waynesborough. He didn’t start in golf super young but has found his passion.
“I really enjoy being a golf professional,” Early said. “The members at Waynesborough are always in a good mood. The club has been a huge help for my development because working there has helped me get out of my shell and grow as a person.”
Open Championship
The Philadelphia Open is the third oldest championship of its kind in the country, behind only the U.S. Open and Western Open. It formed at the behest of the best – professionals that is. “Professional golfers in and around Philadelphia have some cause for satisfaction in that their claims to official recognition have at last been acknowledged. The Golf Association of Philadelphia announces a tournament for the pros to be held over the links of the Philadelphia Cricket Club at Wissahickon Heights Oct. 23-24,” the Philadelphia Inquirer reported in 1903. GAP Magazine profiled the Philadelphia Open in its Summer 2024 issue.
GAP
Celebrating Amateur Golf since 1897, GAP, also known as the Golf Association of Philadelphia, is the oldest regional or state golf association in the United States. It serves as the principal ruling body of amateur golf in its region. The organization’s 345 Member Clubs and 130,000 individual members are spread across Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey and Maryland. The GAP’s mission is to promote, preserve and protect the game of golf.
