Geezer-Nice Guy McCoy Wins Mid-Am, Masters Spot Next?

David Shefter on the popular 8&6 win by 50-year-old Michael McCoy in the U.S. Mid-Amateur, vindicating the decision to bypass McCoy for one of the old-guy designated Walker Cup spots.

Based on recent tradition, McCoy stands an excellent chance of receiving an invitation to play in the 2014 Masters.

McCoy had quite the rooting section:

Forrester wasn’t the only person to make an extra trip to watch McCoy on Thursday. Good friend and client Brian Lovett flew in from St. Louis. Mike Dunphy, the former University of Alabama-Birmingham men’s golf coach who still resides in the area, also came out to support McCoy. Dunphy, two years younger, grew up in Iowa and often competed against McCoy in state events.

“The one thing about Mike is he won’t beat himself,” said Dunphy, now an equipment rep who understands McCoy’s game.

Besides those in attendance, McCoy received encouraging texts and emails from other good friends. George “Buddy” Marucci, the 2008 USGA Senior Amateur champion and two-time USA Walker Cup captain, provided words of wisdom, as did two-time Mid-Amateur champion Tim Jackson and two-time USGA champion Vinny Giles..

“It might have been 10 years ago, Tim Jackson said to me if he can win one of these, I can win one of these,” said McCoy. “And that kind of stuck in the back of my mind. And you just try to keep getting better. You keep trying to make improvements and you hope someday, you’ll be good enough to do it.”