ATHENS, Ga. – Augusta University men’s golf rising sophomore Alex Shead posted a 4-under-par 140 (70, 70) on Tuesday, July 2 at the Georgia Open Qualifier and advanced out of a playoff to qualify for the 2018 U.S. Amateur Championship at Pebble Beach Golf Links in Pebble Beach, Calif.
 
Shead, the 2018 MEAC Championship Outstanding Performer, was near the top of the leaderboard in the 113-man field after the 36 holes of regulation play at Jennings Mill Country Club. After Spencer Ralston and Trevor Phillips secured the first two qualifying spots, Shead was tied with three others at 4-under-par.

A playoff was needed to determine the final two names and alternate positions. The format saw players play the first two holes and after taking par on the second playoff hole, Shead signed for birdie on the third hole at No. 1 to lock up the final spot.
 
The USGA is set to host the 118th U.S. Amateur Championship, scheduled for Aug. 13-19, 2018 at Pebble Beach Golf Club and Spyglass Hill Golf Course in Pebble Beach, Calif. Pebble Beach Golf Links will be hosting its 12th USGA championship, having hosted four previous U.S. Amateurs, the last in 1999, won by David Gossett.

Pebble Beach has also hosted five U.S. Opens (1972, 1982, 1992, 2000, 2010) and will host the 119th U.S. Open in 2019. Spyglass Hill Golf Course was also the stroke-play co-host for the 1999 U.S. Amateur.