University of Tennessee Athletics
Oliver's Travels: Week at U.S. Amateur
August 20, 2013 | Men's Golf
Aug 20, 2013
Rising UT sophomore Oliver Goss finished runner-up at the 113th U.S. Amateur Championship. Throughout his incredible week, Goss was able to have some once in a lifetime experiences. Here is a recap:
"THE SHARK"
Eventually, word of Goss' U.S. Amateur run made its way to Australian golfing legend Greg "The Shark" Norman. The former No. 1 golfer in the world reached out to Oliver to send his congrats.
@olliegossAUS Mate well done in the US Am. Please follow me so I can message u.
-- Greg Norman (@SharkGregNorman) August 19, 2013
FIRST PITCH AT FENWAY
Immediately following his U.S. Amateur Semifinal win, the USGA sent Goss and finals opponent Matt Fitzpatrick to historic Fenway Park to throw out the first pitch before a Boston Red Sox game. Their opponent that night was the famed rival, New York Yankees.
"I got to go to the (Red Sox) game last night, too. It was really exciting. The atmosphere was just unbelievable," Goss said when learning about the first pitch plans. "I've been told we get to throw the first pitch today, which is just... I don't even know what I'm going to be feeling when I'm out there. But it's really exciting."
U.S. Amateur finalist Oliver Goss upon hearing he'd throw the first pitch at Fenway tonight: "I can't do that. I'm not a baseball player."
-- Emily Kaplan (@emilymkaplan) August 17, 2013
Throwing the opening pitch at the Yankees vs Red Sox game tonight, I'd rather a 5ft slider any day #nervous pic.twitter.com/OS6MFb1DNm
-- Oliver Goss (@olliegossAUS) August 17, 2013
RIVALS AND FRIENDS
Goss' semifinal match was a battle. Not only was the match a step closer to playing for the U.S. Amateur Championship, but it also was a showdown against fellow Australian and good friend Brady Watt.
Goss defeated Watt 2-up and advanced to the championship. However, not before inviting Watt to be his caddie for the U.S. Amateur finals. A moving gesture exposing the two's great friendship and respect for the game.
"Another epic battle with Oliver Goss," Watt tweeted. "He won but what we bring out of each other and produce is the win!"
Also very cool: After losing to his good mate in the semis, Brady Watt will turn around and caddie for Oliver Goss in the US Am finals.
— Ryan Lavner (@RyanLavnerGC) August 17, 2013
— GolfWA (@GolfWA_official) August 18, 2013
TENNESSEE PRIDE
As Goss advanced through each round, the excitement on Rocky Top grew.
Tennessee men's basketball head coach - Cuonzo Martin.
Congrats to Oliver Goss of @Vol_Golf on his U.S. Amateur runner-up. Competed well on a big stage.
-- Cuonzo Martin (@CuonzoMartin) August 18, 2013
Former Vol golfing legend - Jim Gallagher, Jr.
@olliegossAUS @Vol_Golf congrats on a great week at the US Am. #GoVols
-- Jim Gallagher Jr. (@GallagherJr) August 19, 2013
Tennessee women's golf assistant coach - Erika Brennan
Look who is on national TV. It's @olliegossAUS of the @Vol_Golf team! How awesome! pic.twitter.com/8G7FWr62ui
-- Erika Brennan (@ErikaBrennan4) August 18, 2013
Engineering Co-op Leader at the University of Tennessee - Todd Reeves
@Vol_Golf Let's go @olliegossAUS #bigorangecountry is pulling for you!!!
-- Todd Reeves (@ToddReeves828) August 18, 2013
Senior Associate AD at Tennessee - Mike Ward
First @gaz_porteous wins the British Am; now @olliegossAUS in the Final Four at the US Am. Good things happening at @Vol_Golf
-- Mike Ward (@mikekward) August 16, 2013
NICKNAMES
At the height of Goss-mania, the @Vol_Golf Twitter account asked fans for Goss nickname suggestions. Here are a few:
"@Vol_Golf: It's about time for Goss (@olliegossAUS) to have a nickname. Does anyone have suggestions for me?" Thunder from down under
-- Rick Lamb (@RICKLAMB19) August 16, 2013
@Vol_Golf @olliegossAUS VOLiver Goss
-- Blake Ridings (@TheRealButters) August 16, 2013
@Vol_Golf @olliegossAUS we are going with OMG. Oh My Goss! #aussie #wa #royalfreo
-- Brett Roberts (@wristy73) August 17, 2013
@Vol_Golf Goss the Hoss!
-- Bryson Mayberry (@BrysonM3) August 17, 2013
@Vol_Golf Like a Goss
-- Alex Schneider (@tnmountainwalkr) August 17, 2013
VIDEOS
Goss' reaction post-game after the U.S. Amateur Championship
Goss' sit-down interview prior to the U.S. Amateur Championship
Goss' post-game comments after his U.S. Amateur Quarterfinal win
TWEET FROM OLIVER
Had the most incredible week of my life! couldn't thank everyone enough for the support! @MattFitz94, congrats! See everyone at Augusta
-- Oliver Goss (@olliegossAUS) August 19, 2013
STORIFY
