Former Grand Canyon University standout
Terence Daniels (Smith’s, Berm., Desert Mountain HS) knew he was playing well. He also knew he wasn't playing well enough.
With seven holes remaining in the U.S. Amateur Sectional Qualifier at Andover Country Club in Andover, Mass., Tuesday, Daniels decided it was time to give himself a pep talk.
It worked.
With birdies on five consecutive holes, Daniels finished the second round of the 36-hole qualifier with a 5-under-par 67 to earn one of four spots for the Aug. 23-29 U.S. Amateur Championships at Chambers Bay in University Place, Wash.
"It was like being a boxer up against the ropes," Daniels said. "I told myself I needed to dig deep and everything worked out perfectly."
Daniels, the two-time Pacific West Conference Player of the Year, had five straight birdies from holes No. 12 to No. 17. His two-round total of 139 tied with two others for low scores. A fourth-qualifier shot 140.
Daniels wrapped up his senior season at GCU with a victory in the 2010 PacWest Championships. He was runner-up, losing in a playoff, in 2008.