Elmsford, N.Y. (September 14, 2011) - MGA Vice President Jeff Holzschuh is in the midst of one of his best seasons of competitive golf. His 2011 accomplishments include qualifying for the U.S. Mid-Amateur, the 109th Met Amateur at Piping Rock, and earning an invitation to the MGA Mid-Amateur at Essex County Country Club. As the likely next president of the MGA, Holzschuh is among a talented group of men, including Allan Small, Don Hendler and John Baldwin, who have held the highest post for the Association while playing the game at a premier level.

Having picked up golf later in life and only entering competitive events over the last five years, the 51-year-old has only tried to qualify for the U.S. Mid-Am, which is designed for players 25 years of age and older, a handful of times. Holzschuh shot an even-par 71 at Aspetuck Valley Country Club in Weston, Conn., to qualify for the championship, which is scheduled for September 17-22 at Shadow Hawk Golf Club in Richmond, Texas.

We recently caught up with Holzschuh to get his thoughts on playing in his first USGA championship:

On his goals heading into the 2011 season:

Due to my busy work schedule, I haven’t been able to play much competitive golf over the last couple of years. Going into this season, I wanted to play in more tournaments and there were four events specifically that I had on my radar: the U.S. Mid-Am, the Met Amateur, the Hochster Memorial [t-35 finish] and the Anderson Memorial.

On what part of his game is clicking:

Overall I am playing well. I have been driving the ball and putting well, and when you’re doing that, the rest of your game just comes together.

On preparation for the U.S. Mid-Am:

I am travelling to London for three days prior to the event so there won’t be much time for practice beforehand. When I get home, I am packing my gear and heading right back out on a plane to Texas.

On mentality for U.S. Mid-Am:

I am really looking forward to playing and competing at that level. Qualifying alongside guys who have qualified for, and played in the U.S. Open, is pretty cool. I am going to go into the event and grind as hard as I can. My first goal is to make it to match play, and then focus on each match going forward.

On earning an invitation to the MGA Mid-Amateur at Essex County:

It’s great. We are all excited that the MGA started the Mid-Am and it is a great event that the [local] guys hope to earn an invitation to.

 

You can follow Holzschuh and the other local players at the U.S. Mid-Am by clicking here.