Stan Payne and Aaron Bragg, both of Little Rock, qualified for the USGA Mid-Amateur Chammpionship today at Pleasant Valley Country Club. Payne, in a steady rain most of the day, put together a solid round of 16 pars and 2 birdies to easily win the silver medal with a 2-under par 70. Bragg and Chris Houston of Collierville, TN finished with three-over par 75s and Bragg won the playoff for the second qualifying spot on the third hole of sudden death with a birdie on the par-5 18th hole. Houston is the first alternate and Joey Nichols, of Little Rock, is the second alternate with a 76. All but Houston are members at PVCC. Payne and Bragg advance to Atlantic Golf Club in Long Island, New York later this month. It is Bragg’s first USGA Championship. Payne qualified for the Mid-Am a couple of years ago at Bandon Dunes in Oregon.
Stan Payne
