Greensboro, NC (06/24/02) -- Former Guilford College golf standout Savio Nazareth (Orlando, FL/Dr. Phillips (Brevard J.C.)) earned a spot in the United States Amateur Public Links (USAPL) Championship by winning a sectional qualifying tournament June 18 in Eustis, FL.

Nazareth won the sectional event with a two-round 137 (72-65), three shots better than his nearest competitor. He made five birdies and an eagle in the second round and advances to the 2002 USAPL Championship July 15-20 at The Orchards Golf Club in Washington, MI. Nazareth also reached last year's USAPL Championship in San Antonio, TX, but shot 80-75-155 in stroke play and did not qualify for the match-play rounds.

The USAPL Championship, called "America's blue-collar championship," boasts a field of 156 qualifiers and is one of 13 national championship tournaments sponsored by the United States Golf Association (USGA). The championship is open to amateur golfers who have been bona fide public-course players and have not had the privileges of any private course. Following two days of stroke play (July 15-16), the field will be reduced to the lowest 64 scores, who will advance to match play. The 36-hole match play final is scheduled for Saturday, July 20.

Nazareth concluded a brilliant college career in May by leading Coach Jack Jensen's Quakers to the 2002 NCAA Division III National Championship. He finished 18th at the national tournament to secure All-America honors for the second straight season. The Tanzania native holds three Guilford golf records, including career stroke average (72.981). He joins Ty Saloma '99 as recent Guilford golfers in the USAPL Championship. Saloma played in the 1996 event in Lihue, HI.