Geoff Vartelas (above) has had quite a summer already: a tie for second in the New England Amateur, a round of 65 in the pre-qualifier for the Travelers Championship and a fourth-place finish at the Palmer Cup.

But the biggest highlight is yet to come for Vartelas, a former Xavier High standout. He is currently in Michigan preparing for his first appearance in the U.S. Amateur.

“It’s one of those things where no matter how you play in other events, if you qualify for the U.S. Amateur, it turns a so-so summer into a great summer,” Vartelas said. “No matter how yo do at the Am, the fact is you get to go there and experience a USGA event. USGA events are top notch.”

Vartelas, 22, qualified on July 12 at Great River Golf Club in Milford, shooting a 3-under 141 for 36 holes.

MORE ABOUT VARTELAS, THE U.S.AMATEUR, THE CT WOMEN'S AMATEUR AND THE NEW ENGLAND JUNIOR.