ST. ANDREWS, Scotland – While many of the elite young Americans bounce from event to event on the amateur golf schedule, Jordan Niebrugge opted for a summer abroad.
Following the NCAA Championship in early June, the rising senior at Oklahoma State set off on a whirlwind tour of Great Britain that culminated with his appearance here at the Open Championship, where he opened with 5-under 67, the best-ever start by an amateur at St. Andrews.
It was his college coach, Alan Bratton, who suggested that Niebrugge go on a month-long odyssey in the UK. Bratton thought it would be good experience for his star to play in different conditions.