Amos closes with solid finish in 2nd consecutive trip to state

Parker Amos showed off the optimal combination of determination and talent right up to the very end of a decorated career.

This past week, Platte County’s third-year senior No. 1 shot an impressive 78-79—157 over the two-day Class 4 Missouri State Golf Championships on the par-70 setup of Sedalia Country Club in Sedalia. He ended up in a tie for 34th and just missed the goal of a top-15 finish that would have made him the program’s first all-state player in more than two decades but improved on his showing from last spring.

Due to the COVID-19 canceled 2020 season, Amos played only three years but entered and left as the No. 1 player in the lineup. He always handled any internal or external pressure to lead with a quiet confidence, including after a rough start to his opening round Monday could have shaken his confidence.

Instead, Amos rallied to stay in the mix, although the low round needed to move up the leaderboard eluded him. He wound up seven shots back of the prestigious all-state cutline.

“Parker had a pretty good showing at this final golf tournament of his high school career,” Platte County coach Trevor Short said. “There were a few shots that were left out on the course both days, but Parker managed to take what the course gave him and played two solid rounds of golf.”

Amos’ journey didn’t necessarily take the envisioned or traditional route. An off round in the postseason as a sophomore saw him miss the state cut by a single stroke, but as a junior, he showed well at districts to advance for the first time.

However, Amos shot 83-86—169 and tied for 54th, leaving him with one final season to chase more accolades.

Now a three-time all-conference and two-time all-district performer, Amos closed his decorated career with one of his best tournament showings at Platte County — especially considering the start to the first round. He faded to 5-over after just six holes with three bogeys and a double bogey while starting on the back nine.

The rally started with three straight pars before making the turn and posting a birdie on the par-four first hole. He ended up alternating bogeys and pars on the final eight holes of his round but pushed into a tie for 32nd and just four shots out of the top 15.

Amos knew the likelihood of a low score being needed in Tuesday’s second round, and the reality ended up being harsh. He would have needed a 2-over round to make the move up and instead dropped two spots despite another solid effort.

A birdie at No. 14 — his fifth hole after again starting on the backside — highlighted the 9-over round. He again made only one double bogey and also posted only eight pars in what ended up a somewhat up-and-down day.

Amos closed with back-to-back bogeys but undoubtedly completed a memorable but uniquely short tenure with the program.

“It has been a great journey with Parker the last four years and the golf team wishes him the best of luck in all his future endeavors,” Short said.

Platte County also graduates two-year starter Jackson Gabbert, who finished his career last week in the Class 4 District 4 tournament. However, the Pirates will also return freshman Braden Hendee and sophomores Josh Knickman, Josh Gentilia and Ben Gillilan after all played significant portions of this season on varsity. Undoubtedly, a collective effort will be needed to replace the leadership and strong play of Amos.