June 23, 2004

Ens. Billy Hurley (Leesburg, Va.) is the eighth-best amateur golfer in the world according to the latest Golfweek/Titleist Men's Amateur Rankings (June 20 edition). The Golfweek/Titleist Men's Amateur Rankings are based on points awarded for specific finishes in designated tournaments.

Hurley, who is tied with Americans Brock MacKenzie, Chris Botsford, J.J. Jakovac and Jeffrey Overton with 110 points, jumped from 31st to eighth thanks to a second-place finish at the Monroe Invitational Championship which earned 35 points. Had he been able to hold onto the lead last weekend, Hurley would have gained 50 points and captured the sixth spot in the rankings this week.

Just 40 points off the world's top five, Hurley will compete in the Northeast Amateur Invitational this Thursday through Sunday. The winner of that four-round tournament will be awarded 75 points, the runner-up 60 points, a top-five finish 45 points, a top-10 finish 30 points, 20 points for a top-15 finish and 15 points for a top-20 mark.

Walker Cup team member Casey Wittenberg, a rising sophomore at Oklahoma State, leads the rankings with 235 points, 30 more than former Wake Forest standout Bill Haas who is in second.

Golfweek/Titleist Men's Amateur Rankings (June 20, 2004)

Rk. Last Week Player Score
1. (1) Casey Wittenberg 235
2. (2) Bill Haas 205
3. (4) Nick Flanagan 185
4. (3) Peter Tomasulo 180
5. (6) Lee Williams 160
6. (7) Michael Putnam 120
(10) John Holmes 120
8. (8) Brock MacKenzie 110
(12) Chris Botsford 110
(12) J.J. Jakovac 110
(12) Jeffrey Overton 110
(31) Billy Hurley 110