Bob Warpinski

In their words

Bob on the BCA.

How many years have you played the Amateur?

This will be my 34th consecutive Amateur!

Best finish?

In 2022 the stars aligned and I won the 7th flight. It was a special weekend — caught a little magic after many years of frustration.

How do you prepare?

Don't accept any gimmes. You need to stand over a 3-footer knowing you've been making them all summer. I've got lots to work on — need to find a way to bring 80% of my range game to the course.

Favorite hole?

I think “the valley,” holes 11 thru 15, is an amazing stretch of golf. Unlike most higher handicappers, I love #13.

Most challenging hole?

#9. Somehow I've got to find a way to hit the driver and get it to draw to the 180–200 mark. Then it's a solid 7w or 4w up the false front slope to the green. Don't get the ball above the hole. If I have a weak drive, I'm not afraid to wedge the next shot short and left of the creek and hit a 9 to the green, and live for a one putt. Bogey is not a bad outcome.

What would winning mean to you?

It would be amazing! I've had some really tough tournament outcomes that challenged my mental health. Racking and stacking some solid ball striking on the way to a win would help forget those years. The game takes and it gives — hopefully more of the latter is all I hope for.

Favorite Amateur memory?

The BCA has become a family affair — both blood family and friends reuniting at the course each year. Spending post-round time on “the porch” talking about the day's events for hours while the sun sets, getting ready for the next day, enjoying the camaraderie of the other players — it all adds up to being one of the best things I do every year, and hope to do for years to come.