Tom Cornelia Competes in U.S. Senior Men’s Amateur Championship
Golf has a monumental presence in Reynolds Lake Oconee, thanks to the seven carefully crafted, picturesque courses inside the gates. Many even consider the sport to be the primary driving force for living in this amazing community, which has garnered international acclaim among golfers and fans alike. This is why it is no surprise that Reynolds is home to quite a few avid golfers, from retired hobbyists to award winning professionals. This month, Stroll Inside the Gates would like to spotlight one local golfer for his rewarding accomplishment. Tom Cornelia, Reynolds resident and long-time golfer, recently competed in the USGA Senior Men’s Amateur Championship in San Antonio, TX at The Oak Hills Country Club, August 23-24.
Tom Cornelia started golf at the age of 11 after his family moved to Hilton Head Island in 1971. “We had a close-knit group of guys who were fortunate to have a retired Brigadier General as our golf coach,” Tom recounts. “He was the CO of the First Army Ranger Unit and earned 2 Purple Hearts and a Silver Star in WWII. He was a real leader. In the Sea Pines Academy graduating class of 22, we had 3 Division 1 scholarship players - myself at Texas, then one at South Florida and UNC Chapel Hill. He drove us to compete and enjoy the game.”
Ever since he first swung a club, Tom’s love for the sport has only grown, and over the years, he has received many awards and accolades. In 1979, he won the Carolina’s Amateur Championship, and he was a 4-year letterman at the University of Texas. In 2025, he won the PGA of America National Club Championship Legends Division for ages 65+, at 6-under par over three rounds on the Great Waters, Oconee, and National courses. Tom has also won 24 assorted Club Championships across 3 clubs.
Despite all these accomplishments, Tom had his sights set on one more accolade. “Competing in a USGA event had always been a void in my golf life. I have been a 1st alternate for 2 US Amateurs, and I tried a few times unsuccessfully for the Mid-Am and Senior Am. At age 66, I was beginning to think it would never happen, then it did. It is a nice exclamation point for me, especially at age 66. The USGA Senior is the top Senior tournament in the world. In the practice rounds, I played with former champs of the US, Canadian, and British Senior Ams. The USGA did a fantastic job organizing and operating the event, from the accommodations to the course set-up and informational services. Every player felt special, and it was truly a great experience for all.” Tom finished at T87 in a field of 156, just 3 strokes short of his goal of advancing to match play.
To get to U.S. Senior Men’s Amateur Championship, Tom qualified at South Carolina’s Country Club of Lexington in mid-July, tying for second place. He was among 84 golfers competing for four coveted spots. “The mathematics were not good. In a three- or four-day event, the cream rises to the top, but in a one-day shootout, anything can happen.”
Tom is also not the first Reynolds Resident to compete in this tournament. “Reynolds Lake Oconee has a handful of residents who have been fortunate to have this experience,” Tom adds. “This includes Mark Nickerson who competed just last year, Frank Travetto, and Dottie Farmer. Also, rules expert and RLO resident Mark Volker served as one of the rules and scoring officials.”
Tom has lived at Reynolds now for the last 20 years, and he attributes a lot of his continued love and success in golf to his home here in Georgia’s Lake Country. “Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced player, Reynolds is a great place to reside given the many playing alternatives, instruction options, club fitting, fitness opportunities, and practice facilities.”
Tom’s advice to fellow golfers who want to grow in the sport is simple – practice and prepare. “I thoroughly enjoy the solitude of striking shots and experimenting with my game. The game can never be mastered, but there are days when you think you have!”
