Niebrugge Claims 2013 U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship at Laurel Hill Golf Club

Jordan Niebrugge, a rising sophomore at Oklahoma State University, held off a late charge by Michael Kim, winning the 36-hole final of the 2013 U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship, 1-up, at the 7,022-yard, par-70 Laurel Hill Golf Club.

Niebrugge took an early lead and trailed for just two holes of the 114 he played in his six matches this week.

“Going into today I was really focused on playing the course like I had all week,” said Niebrugge. “ I didn't really look at who I was playing because I felt like I was hitting it good enough to stay with anybody.”

Niebrugge had one caddy – his father, Rod. After Oklahoma State University teammate Ian Davis lost in the third round, Niebrugge considered asking OSU assistant golf coach, Brian Guetz, who served as Davis’ caddie for the week, if he would stick around to carry his bag.

“Then I said, ‘Well Dad, you're doing OK and I like having you on the bag,’” said Niebrugge. “I'm glad he could make it all 36 [holes] these last couple of days and I really appreciate everything he's done [for me] over my entire career in golf.”

Niebrugge credited his coaches at Oklahoma State for instilling confidence in him during his freshman season.

For his victory, Niebrugge receives a gold medal and custody of the James D. Standish Trophy. If he remains an amateur, he will receive exemptions into the next two U.S. Amateurs and a three-year exemption from local U.S. Open qualifying. He is also likely to receive an invitation to the 2014 Masters Tournament.

Kim is exempt into next month's U.S. Amateur at The Country Club in Brookline, Mass., and receives an exemption out of local qualifying for the 2014 U.S. Open, which will be held at Pinehurst Resort & Country Club. Both players will receive an exemption into next year’s APL – the final edition of the championship, which will be held at Sand Creek Station Golf Course in Newton, Kan.