Golf with an attitude

Golf Digest, June, 2005 by Ryan Herrington

In making his way around Shinnecock Hills at the 2004 U.S. Open, there was something about Spencer Levin that seemed to separate him from other amateurs who have nervously teed it up in our national championship. Call it confidence to not be overwhelmed in his first major at age 20. Call it nerve to not hide his two biggest vices, smoking cigarettes and a short temper. Call it bravado to not be gaga over an eight-over-par performance and a tie for 13th-the best finish by an amateur at the Open in 33 years and enough to secure a place in this year's championship at Pinehurst.

Whatever it was that made him stand out, this much is clear: Levin isn't just blowing smoke out there. The kid has presence, talent and is one the most accurate ball-strikers in amateur golf. Along with last summer's two prestigious amateur victories-the Porter Cup and the Scratch Players--Levin's six top-five finishes at the University of New Mexico this past year (while hitting 75 percent of fairways and 83 percent of greens in regulation) make him a lock to earn first-team All-American honors for a second straight season. Many wonder whether Levin will return to school next fall for his senior year or turn pro this summer. There are several factors to consider, Levin says, but controlling his occasional club-throwing temper isn't one of them. "If I couldn't play," he says "nobody would even talk about it. There have been a lot of great players who when they were kids had a temper. It shows you I want to win, too."

ON THE TEE

NAME: SPENCER LEVIN

AGE: 20

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