The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Men's Golf's Hammer named 2019 McCormack Medal winner
08.21.2019 | Men's Golf
Sophomore Cole Hammer tabbed top male amateur in the world.
AUSTIN, Texas – Texas men's golf sophomore Cole Hammer has won the Mark H. McCormack Medal as the leading men's player in the 2019 World Amateur Golf Ranking™ (WAGR).
"It has been a great year or so on the course, and to see it culminate with receiving the McCormack Medal is really special," Hammer said of the award. "It's something that is coveted in the amateur game, and I am truly honored to have received such a prestigious award."
Hammer earns exemptions into the 2020 U.S. Open Championship and 2020 Open Championship, conducted by The R&A.
"Cole is a great representative of the game and the next generation of golfers who are rising through the ranks," said John Bodenhamer, USGA senior managing director of Championships. "On behalf of the USGA, I wish to extend our congratulations to him and look forward to watching him represent the USA at the upcoming Walker Cup."
Hammer will represent the USA in the Walker Cup Match on Sept. 7-8 at Royal Liverpool Golf Club in Hoylake, England.
About WAGRTM
The World Amateur Golf Ranking™, which comprises a women's ranking and a men's ranking for elite amateur players, is offered by The R&A and the USGA as a global service to golf. Through incorporation and assessment worldwide of both amateur and professional events, WAGR encourages the international development of the competitive game. The ranking endeavors to be the most comprehensive and accurate ranking in golf by effectively comparing players from around the world who may never directly compete against one another. It is available to national federations and organizers of amateur and professional events and tours as a criterion for tournament field selection and for purposes of exemptions, national team selection, and orders of merit.
About The Mark H. McCormack Medal
The award is named after Mark H. McCormack, the late founder of sports marketing company IMG and an avid supporter of amateur golf. The Mark H. McCormack Medal is awarded to the player ranked No. 1 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking™ after the U.S. Women's Amateur Championship or the European Ladies' Amateur Championship, whichever concludes last. Established in 2007, the same award goes to the player leading the men's ranking after the European Amateur Championship or U.S. Amateur Championship, whichever concludes last.
Previous Winners
Men: 2018 Braden Thornberry (USA), 2017 Joaquin Niemann (Chile), 2016 Maverick McNealy (USA), 2015 Jon Rahm-Rodriguez (SPA), 2014 Oliver Schniederjans (USA), 2013 Matthew Fitzpatrick (ENG), 2012 Chris Williams (USA), 2011 Patrick Cantlay (USA), 2010 Peter Uihlein (USA), 2009 Nick Taylor (CAN), 2008 Danny Lee (NZL), 2007 Colt Knost (USA).
Players Mentioned
