19th Marston Cup: Trump National – Philadelphia

Amole takes title at Trump

PINE HILL, N.J. — It’s safe to say Zack Amole has settled back into the amateur golf ranks.

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Navigating breezy conditions at Trump National Golf Club – Philadelphia (par 71, 6,518 yards), Amole topped the field with a card of 3-under-par 68 to claim the 19th Marston Cup. 

The Marston Cup is open to individuals 40-54 years of age.

“[It’s] great. I know it’s only a one-day shootout really, but anytime you’re competing and trying to put a score on the card when you’re under par in some challenging conditions is always a positive thing,” Amole, 40, of Downingtown, Pa., said. “I’ve been playing pretty good as of late, the putter has been kind of cold, [but] today was pretty solid.” 

Prior to Monday’s event, the French Creek Golf Club member has never met the Pine Hill, N.J. property. Despite a lack of familiarity, Amole, who started on Trump’s back nine, managed to add three birdies and an eagle to his card. By day’s end, Amole was the only player to finish under par. 

On No. 11 (par 4, 375 yards), the long-hitting righty holed his 30 foot chip shot with a lob wedge after his 9-iron missed the green on the right side. His eagle came on No. 1 (par 5, 520 yards). After a big drive, Amole rifled a 7-iron 197 yards to 20 feet. He made the putt for a three. He found two more birdies on his inward nine. On No. 2 (par 3, 164 yards) his 8-iron stopped four feet away. On No. 4 (par 4, 377 yards), the same 8-iron, this time from 153 yards, stopped 20 feet away. Bogeys on Nos. 3 (par 4, 423 yards) and 5 (par 3, 188 yards) were the only blemishes on his card. 

“I felt like I had the lines pretty good on the greens,” Amole said. “I felt pretty comfortable over the ball today. [The course] played [around] 6,500 yards, so it took the driver out of my hands a little bit. I was hitting a lot of 4-woods off the tees.”  

After graduating from Coastal Carolina University, where he played on the men’s golf team, Amole decided to try his hand at playing professionally.

“I did a five year stint on the mini tours in Florida and North Carolina,” Amole said. “Down in Florida, I played on the Minor League Golf Tour.”

Amole said he also spent time on the Tarheel Junior Golf Tour in North Carolina during his professional career which lasted from 2007-2012. 

“It’s tough. If you’re not making Top 5 every tournament, you’re not really making any money. It’s pretty top heavy with the pay,” Amole said.

Shortly after turning 30, Amole decided to leave professional golf behind. He now works as an insurance underwriter for USAA. He regained his amateur status in 2015.

Amole remains competitive as an amateur. Last year, he won French Creek’s Men’s Club Championship. He also regularly competes in GAP Majors. His best finish has been T22 in this year’s Open Championship at Applebrook Golf Club.

“I still practice a lot, and I feel like I still have some game. I still hit it far enough to compete with the younger guys.” Amole said. “I think over the years I’ve gained a little distance with some speed training, but I’m a little bit more consistent now and I know my game better.”

Qualifying events for the U.S. Mid-Am and the U.S. Amateur Four-Ball will round out Amole’s golf season.  

The Marston Cup honors Max Marston of Merion Cricket Club and Pine Valley Golf Club, who in 1923, emerged as America’s best amateur golfer. GAP Magazine highlighted Marston’s career year in its Summer 2023 edition. 

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 110,000 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.