2014 Player of the Year Standings
W. C. Fownes, Jr. Amateur Player of the Year: Arnie Cutrell
Arnie Cutrell tees off during the second round of the 98th Allegheny Health Network Open Championship at the Country Club of York
Arnie Cutrell, a member of Greensburg Country Club and resident of Greensburg, was named the 2014 W. C. Fownes, Jr. Player of the Year at the recent Annual Meeting of the Pennsylvania Golf Association. Cutrell amassed 686 points on the year, a full 236 points ahead of closest challengers Nathan Smith, Pinecrest Country Club, and John Sawin, Merion Golf Club.
Cutrell had an impressively consistent season in 2014, including one win and several top 5 finishes. His lowest finish came at the 98th Open at Country Club of York where he placed T-17, but was still fifth among amateur competitors. He had at least a share of the lead heading to the final round in each of the following: Better-Ball at Chester Valley (T-7), Stroke Play qualifying at the Sigel Match Play at Sunnehanna (T-2, Quarterfinalist), Father & Son at Bedford Springs (3rd), Amateur Championship at Oakmont (T-2), and the Art Wall, Jr. at Rolling Green (1st). Cutrell played solid golf throughout the year and finally slammed the door at the Art Wall, where he outlasted David West, Whitford Country Club, to close out the season with a win.
For his efforts, Cutrell also earned a spot to represent Pennsylvania in the bi-annual USGA State Team Championship held in 2014 at French Lick Resort in French Lick, Indiana. Cutrell was joined on Team PA by Sean Knapp and Nathan Smith, both from Pittsburgh. Cutrell posted a very respectable 77-71-76-224 at the extremely tough Pete Dye Course at French Lick.
Here are a few excerpts from a brief interview conducted to collect Cutrell’s thoughts and experiences on his play during the 2014 season:
How was your
golf game this season?
I was extremely happy with my golf game this season. I played in all of
the state events and felt as though my game put me in a position to win each
event despite only winning one, the Art Wall. When I play well, I always
reflect and appreciate the help that long time friend and head professional at
Allegheny Country Club, John Aber, has provided me through the years.
John is a student of the game and he always finds the time to spend with me
when needed to help me understand my swing and the tendencies that I
have.
What were some
of the highlights?
I felt my finish at the State Amateur at Oakmont was a highlight of the
summer. Anytime that Oakmont is the venue, you realize that your game is
going to be tested at the highest level and that all aspects of your game have
to be sharp and reliable. The second round, I played about as good as I
am capable of. I wish that the final result after the third and final
round would have been different, but I was extremely happy with how I was able
to compete at that level. As for other highlights, I would have to say a
hole-in-one on the 5th hole at Sunnehanna in the first round match against
William Betts was a highlight of the year. Also the chance to represent
Pennsylvania in the USGA Men's State Team was not only a highlight of the
summer but a highlight of my career. Fellow teammates Nathan Smith and
Sean Knapp have both contributed so much to the game from an integrity and
competitive perspective, and it was just a great honor to experience it as a
teammate alongside them both.
How did you
like the venues for PA events?
The Association always secures the best venues for our state championships and
believe me the players truly appreciate it. Pennsylvania has some great
venues to choose from as well. Obviously, a schedule that includes
Oakmont is a year that has much anticipation associated with it. It was
the first go round for me at Chester Valley and I was impressed with this venue
and would like to see the Association return to it in years to come.
Sunnehanna is always a great venue and it was unique to play it in a match play
situation as well. It was fun to return to the Country Club of York with
all of its character, and Moselem Springs is a great layout tee to green and it
was nice to erase the memories of a State Am where it was literally 105
degrees. My lone win was at Rolling Green, and that course with its
elevation changes and challenging greens really made for great
championship. The back nine of the last round with the head to head duel
with David West was a most memorable round. David played great and truly
deserved to win, but I need to give the assist to Rolling Green. Its
demanding back nine caused two unfortunate train wrecks for David, and I was
able to prevail. So I might have to say that it was my favorite venue of
the year.
What was your
experience like at the USGA State Team? (Played at the Pete Dye Course at French Lick Resort, Indiana)
It was a great experience in every aspect. The course was unique.
The wind made it tough, and Pete Dye made it nearly impossible despite playing
it over 1,000 yards shorter than its 8,000 yard design. We visited the
high school gym of Larry Bird, and the whole experience was wonderful.
Congratulations to Arnie Cutrell on earning the 2014 W. C. Fownes, Jr. Amateur Player of the Year honor!
What’s in the Bag?
Driver
Ping G-25, 10.5 Degree, Ping Tour X-Flex Shaft
Fairway
TaylorMade RocketBallz Tour 3-wood, 14.5 Degree, Diamana 80 X-Flex Shaft
Utility
TaylorMade RocketBallz 18.5 Degree
Irons
Callaway Apex Pro, 3-Iron thru Pitching Wedge, KBS Tour-V 100 Stiff Shafts
Wedges
Nike Victory Red Pro, 52, 56, and 60 Degree
Putter
Odyssey 2-Ball Mid-Length (Belly), 40.5”
Ball
Titleist Pro-V1x