STREAMSONG, FLORIDA – October 12, 2015 – Marc Dull, a native of Winter Haven, Florida, and caddie at Streamsong Resort, concluded an epic week of golf in the 2015 U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship with a runner-up finish to Sammy Schmitz of Farmington, Minnesota, on the 6,855 yard, par-72 West Course at John’s Island Club in Vero Beach, Florida. The 36-hole championship match concluded on Oct. 8. It took a rare hole-in-one on the par-4 33rd hole for Schmitz to defeat Streamsong’s Dull, 3 and 2. A win would have qualified Dull for an invitation to the 2016 Masters at Augusta National, one of golf’s most storied events.
Dull’s path to the championship match was a grueling one. He entered match play as the 39th seed and his first three matches went to 18 holes. According to Dull, his hardest match of the week came in the round of 32 when he faced Mark Harrell, a former collegiate player at Alabama. Dull was never more than 1-up throughout the day and finished the match 1-up on 18.
“It’s been an amazing week. This is by far the most golf I’ve played ever in a row,” said Marc Dull. “Everyone at Streamsong was pulling for me. Even guests who found out that I was playing said they were watching the leaderboard and sending well wishes. Two caddies came to watch the final round, along with the director of golf (Scott Wilson) and my caddie master (Troy Tomlinson). Everyone was incredibly supportive.”
One of Dull’s biggest supporters during Championship week was his best friend and fellow Streamsong caddie, Richie Stapleton. Born ten days apart at the same hospital in Georgia, Dull and Stapleton spend much of their time together, on and off the course. Stapleton was by Dull’s side all week, serving as his caddie.
A graduate from Florida Southern University, Dull previously competed in the 2009 U.S. Amateur Championship before turning professional. This is the first year Dull attempted to qualify for the Mid-Amateur Championship after regaining his amateur status. Dull secured his spot in the Championship through an 18-hole qualifying round on Sept. 14 at Streamsong Resort (Streamsong Red). Dull’s great grandfather Dexter Daniels was a two-time winner of the U.S. Senior Amateur, capturing the title in 1961 and 1966.
“We are thrilled and extremely proud of Marc’s performance at the U.S. Mid-Amateur,” said Rich Mack, CFO and executive vice president of The Mosaic Company, which owns Streamsong. “Marc has been with us from the start, and is one of our very best caddies. It’s been amazing to watch his journey to the championship match, beginning with his qualifying round at Streamsong. We’re sure to see more great golf from Marc in the future.”
Schmitz and Dull will both receive a two-year exemption into the U.S. Mid-Amateur, along with an exemption into the 2016 U.S. Amateur Championship at Oakland Hills Country Club, in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. Both finalists are also exempt into the 2016 U.S. Open sectional qualifying.
The U.S. Mid-Amateur is one of 13 national championships conducted annually by the United States Golf Association, 10 of which are strictly for amateurs. The Mid-Amateur Championship is open to amateur golfers, 25 years old by Oct. 3 with a handicap Index not exceeding 3.4. This year’s Championship included 4,024 entries.
About Streamsong Resort
Streamsong® Resort has been developed by The Mosaic Company and is founded on a commitment to its surrounding resources. From awe-inspiring golf courses and enchanting nature trails to sumptuous dining and ethereal spa experiences, Streamsong operates in concert with its environment. This appreciation for the land’s inherent beauty creates an unparalleled luxury resort. The resort is operated by Interstate Hotels & Resorts and the golf courses are managed by KemperSports. For more information, visit www.streamsongresort.com.
Contact:
Elizabeth Epstein
KemperLesnik
Elizabeth.Epstein@kemperlesnik.com or 847.601.4920
