Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski Vancouver Canucks forward Sam Lafferty putts on the practice green at Sunnehanna Country Club.

By Neil Rudel

nrudel@altoonamirror.com

Since he joined Sunnehanna Country Club four years ago, then as a member of the Pittsburgh Penguins, Sam Lafferty has had an open invitation to play in the club’s prestigious Sunnehanna Amateur Tournament.

Lafferty accepted it this year.

“I’m super excited,” he said.

The Hollidaysburg native texted tourney co-chairman John Yerger on May 24 asking about the possibility, and Yerger quickly said yes.

“I’m excited for Sam,” Yerger said. “I think it’s great for the tournament, and I think it’s great for the area. He’s the first (local) athlete to play in the NHL. He’s not only a great athlete, but a terrific guy and a role model for kids in the area as to what they might be able to be.

‘He’s a favorite son back in western PA, and he’s never forgotten where he’s come from. And he has a chance to fulfill a childhood dream.”

While at Hollidaysburg Area High School, Lafferty first played Sunnehanna in the Wheeling Tournament, which the Tigers won during his freshman year when he shot at 71.

As a sophomore in 2010, he was runner-up for the individual championship to Tyrone’s Jimmy Ferguson.

Lafferty, 29, attended Deerfield (Mass.) Academy for his final two seasons of high school and then went to college at Brown, where he played hockey and golf.

Now a member of the Vancouver Canucks, he just wound up his fifth NHL season, but he’s played enough golf to whittle his handicap to a 2.

“I’ve played a fair amount in Canada since the hockey season ended with my father-in-law,” he said. “I feel pretty good about my game, but you never know.”

When play begins today, plenty of family and friends will be making the short drive from Hollidaysburg.

Lafferty’s younger brother, Charlie, will serve as his caddie.

“My only goal is to enjoy the experience as much as possible — just soak it all in and with that, hopefully play some good golf,” Lafferty said.

Lafferty estimated he’s played Sunnehanna “20 to 30 times,” often with his dad, Andy, and friends. So he knows all about the undulated, super-quick greens.

He shot 152 and finished 43rd in a U.S. Amateur qualifier at Sunnehanna in 2021.

“Obviously my short game — the touch and feel — will be the key,” he said. “I haven’t played much tournament golf, but obviously I love the game and to play in a tournament like this is … It’s been a lifetime dream of mine.”

Most of the field must qualify, but the tournament has leeway for a few invites, which it used for Lafferty, who said, “I’m very lucky. There are a lot of better golfers deserving to be in it, but I’m very grateful to Mr. Yerger.”

Yerger said, “There have been other (pro) athletes” who have graced the field, naming former San Francisco 49ers quarterback John Brodie years ago.

“There is a history of us doing that (invitations),” he said. “Guys like Tony Romo have played in national amateur tournaments.”

As usual, the field for the 83rd annual showcase will be strong. The last four major tournament winners (Xander Schauffele, Scottie Scheffler, Wyndham Clark and Brian Harman) all played at Sunnehanna.

The biggest names in golf history — Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods — have, too.

Yerger said 46 Sunnehanna alumni have won 98 majors, and 41 of those have come since 2000.

Sunnehanna is also now one of the tourneys that make up the Elite Amateur Cup.

“The history speaks for itself,” Lafferty said. “All the greatest players for the most part have played in this event. It’s cool when you walk into the clubhouse and see all the pictures. I’m just over the moon to do it.”

As for his next NHL step, Lafferty is a free agent. He is coming off his best year statistically with a career-high 13 goals and 24 points.

“I’m just kind of waiting to hear from Vancouver,” he said. “They’ve expressed interest in me returning. I thought it was a good fit, and I would be open to returning. But if not, I’ll pursue the open market.”