Mike Sorensen: Everything you want to know about the U.S. Public Links Amateur Championship

Four, including former State Amateur champions Dan Horner and Zac Blair, recent Salt Lake City Amateur champion Nick Drost of Cottonwood Heights and J.T. Timmons of Salt Lake. Also, a pair of BYU golfers — Justin Keiley of Hawaii and Adam Tebbs of Las Vegas — are in the field.

Who are the top amateur golfers in the tournament?

Derek Ernst of Clovis, Calif., last year's runner-up, would have to be considered one of the favorites based on his finish last year at Bandon Dunes, Oregon. He was an All-American at UNLV, where he finished a four-year career in May.

University of Washington golfer Chris Williams is the No. 2 ranked amateur in the world and Cheng-Tsung Pan of Chinese Taipei is No. 12 in the world.

Two players I'm going to keep an eye on are Cory Sciupider of New Caledonia and Zecheng Dou of China, just because I've never heard of any top golfers from New Caledonia or China.

How does one get a ticket to the Public Links?

It's very easy. Just show up at Soldier Hollow and you can watch for free. It's not like a U.S. Open where there are thousands of spectators roped off from the action. And parking is free also.

Why should I go up to watch the Public Links tournament?

Because you'll be watching many of the finest amateur golfers in the world, some of whom might be on the PGA Tour someday. Plus what's better than getting some exercise walking a beautiful golf course, while enjoying the striking scenery in the cooler mountain air.

email: sor@desnews.com