The summer is a time where collegiate golfers are presented with an opportunity to shine in front of a larger national audience and earn a chance to play with the pros.
This past weekend, it was Rickey Barnes' turn to shine.
The UA junior defeated Oklahoma State junior Hunter Mahan, 2 and 1, in the final round of match play to capture the U.S. Amateur Championship at the 6,988-yard, par 70 South Course at Oakland Hills Country Club.
Three Sun Devils also competed in the tournament that head coach Randy Lein called the "biggest of all amateur events." Juniors Chez Reavie and Ben Flam qualified, along with sophomore Jesse Mueller.
Flam advanced by earning medalist honors during the sectional qualifier at Seville Golf and Country Club in Gilbert. Reavie, the 2001 U.S. Public Links champion, qualified from the same sectional, finishing two strokes behind Flam.
Mueller, the 2001 Arizona Amateur champion, advanced during the sectional qualifier in Las Vegas. However, none of them moved on from stroke play at the U.S. Amateur.
"They were disappointed with not making match play," Lein said. "But it's a tough course to play. There was good golf played by all three of them."
The win gives Barnes an exemption into next year's U.S. Open, which will be held at Olympia Fields (Ill.) Country Club. What is even more eye grabbing for Barnes is the fact that he might be playing with the top-ranked golfer in the world, Tiger Woods. The winner of the U.S. Open is traditionally paired with the U.S. Amateur winner.
In addition to earning a trip to play in the U.S. Open, Barnes likely will receive an invite to both the Masters and British Open.
"Ricky is strong as a bull," Lein said. "He is very aggressive and emotionally a strong player with finesse on the green."
Barnes played an almost flawless round in which he didn't bogey a single hole until No. 21. He finished with seven birdies.
Mahan stayed closed throughout the day. If it weren't for a handful of missed putts, he might have found his name inscribed on the winner's trophy.
The matchup marked the second time in three years the two were paired at the U.S. Amateur. In 2000, the roles were reversed, as Mahan defeated Barnes, 3 and 2, during second-round play at Baltusrol.
Previous Sun Devil winners in the event include Billy Mayfair (1987), Phil Mickelson (1990) and Jeff Quinney (2000).
Reach the reporter at casey.pritchard@asu.edu.
