Firing consecutive 68s at Myers Park Country Club Thursday and Friday, the rising sophomore at The O'Neal School finished second in the U.S. Amateur qualifier. The top-four finishers in the sectional qualifier earned a berth in the U.S. Amateur Championship to be held at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minn., the week of Aug. 21-27.

Webb Simpson, the top-ranked amateur in the country, took medalist honors with a 68-66--134 total.

McGowan, the son of Pat and Bonnie McGowan of Southern Pines, won the state 2-A private school individual championship this spring as a freshman. Pat McGowan has competed on the PGA Tour, and is presently playing on the Champions Tour.