The 1982 Junior Amateur provides Crooked Stick with the opportunity to demonstrate its acumen at staging a national event. Wayne Timberman, a competitor in the 1955 U.S. Junior Amateur (held at the Purdue University Golf Club), serves as general event chairman for the club. One hundred fifty players (under age 18) compete in the four-day event. The course is stretched to 6,955 yards, making it the longest setup in the tournament’s 34-year history. Competitors in the field include future PGA tour players Bob Estes, Todd Hamilton (winner of the 2004 British Open), Lee Janzen (1993 and 1998 U.S. Open Champion), Billy Mayfair, and Gary Nicklaus (Jack’s son). At age 13, the 5-foot-9, 135-pound Gary Nicklaus is the youngest qualifier in the field.

 

Leader at the end of the first round is future tour professional Bob Estes, who fires one-under 71 to lead by a stroke. That score is even more impressive considering the foul weather, which precipitates a 54-minute rain delay. Stroke play qualifying for the Junior Amateur concludes on day two with Tim Fleming’s two even-par rounds earning the medalist spot at 144. The cut-off score of 163 for match play qualifying ties the event’s record high. Gary Nicklaus rallies to post 77 on the day (35-42) and qualifies for match play. Missing out, however, is Rick Nichols, who slumps to an 88. Gary’s opponent the next day is 17-year-old Rick Marik of Anaheim, California. Marik survives the difficult first-round match 2 and 1 against Nicklaus, then reels off four more consecutive wins (including one over Todd Hamilton) to reach the finals and face 15-year-old Tim Straub of Orchard Park, New York. In the match, Marik takes an early lead and never relinquishes. Despite a loss at the fifth hole due to a penalty, Marik self-reports when his ball moves on the green, Marik regains control, closing out the championship match 4 and 3 by winning the 15th with a birdie.

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