TAMPA, FLA. (June 19, 2007) -- The first time was a charm for USF golfer Tyler Hitchcock. The senior-to-be made his first-ever effort to qualify for the U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship and won the top spot with rounds of 67 and 65 at the Black Bear Course in Eustis, Fla.

Hitchcock will now compete at the Cantigny Golf Course in Wheaton, Ill., July 9-14. The field will play 36 holes of stroke play, before a cut to 64 players will lead to match play.

“My dad brought up the idea to me to try to qualify,” Hitchcock said. “I figured why not? It gave me a chance to work on the things I've been trying to work out this summer, and I'm seeing results. I'm really excited to be playing.”