Mules' Wagner qualifies for U.S. Junior Amateur

    Logan Wagner went from frustration to elation in a span of three days.
    A rising junior at Solanco High School, Wagner earned a spot in the world's most prestigious junior golf event a day after a disappointing showing in another tournament.
    Wagner will playing in the 73rd U.S. Junior Amateur Championship in Pinehurst, North Carolina July 19-24.
    Nearly 4,000 players from around the world annually vie for a place in the championship with 264 comprising the starting field.
    "It's going to be special," Wagner said. "I'm really excited."
    The U.S. Junior Amateur begins with two days of stroke play to whittle the field down to 64 players for a match play bracket.
    "I'm really proud and I want to take full advantage of the opportunity," Wagner said. "The goal is to play well and get a spot in match play and see how far I can go."
    The accomplishment capped off an eventful few days. 
    On Monday, June 28, Wagner began play in the Pennsylvania Boys Championship, an event he had circled on his calendar.
    Wagner played well on the first day at Hershey Country Club, carding a two-over 73 to put himself in good position. On Tuesday, Wagner started solidly before breaking his driver, a TaylorMade SIM, on the fourth hole. He retrieved his backup driver from the car but had not used that club in a year and struggled with the change in the middle of a competition. Wagner posted two birdies over the final four holes but the damage was done. 
    "Logan was about as unhappy as I've ever seen him on the car ride home from Hershey," his father, Steve, said. "He's pretty even keeled, but this one really stung."
    The following morning, Wagner headed to Doylestown Country Club to play in a U.S. Junior Amateur qualifier. He was able to get a few practice swings with the backup driver and shot a one-over par 73. Three players who are major college commits shot even par including the PIAA champion. The top four scores advanced.
    Wagner had an early tee time and had to sit and wait while the rest of the field finished. One golfer shot a 73 to force a playoff for the final qualifying spot. Wagner parred the first playoff hole (No. 10) to earn the final berth.
    "So many people reached out to me and sent messages," said Wagner. "It's touching to see all the support from people. It's incredible to see that and it puts a smile on my face."
    Wagner plans to play in three tournaments before heading to North Carolina. "I want to stay in that competitive phase," he said. Wagner will be using a temporary SIM 2 head on his driver thanks to Tom Mattaini of Pull The Pin in Lancaster.
    It has been an exciting time foe the local golf community. Solanco High grad Connor Sheehan qualified for the U.S. Amateur Championship, which will be played at Oakmont Country Club in Verona, Pa. August 9-15.
    "I am so happy for Connor," Wagner said. "I play with him any chance I get and he helps me a lot. It's an awesome thing for our small town.