Although knocked out in the third round, Joseph Donnelly isn't feeling knocked down!

For his fifth year, Joe Donnelly returns to the U.S. Amateur Championship to try and claim his first ever title in the APA tournament. All the way from Chicopee, Mass., Donnelly has since retired from his job to concentrate on what he loves best-pool.

Donnelly not only enjoys the prestige that goes along with playing in this tournament, but also other aspects about the APA. "The best part about the APA is The EqualizerÒ system. It gives everyone a fair chance, not only of winning, but also of improving their game and seeing the results of their handicap."

But what Donnelly has enjoyed most about the U.S. Amateur tournament this year is the progression the tournament has taken over the past years. "From when I first started coming to the amateur arena it was nothing as great as this event. I can't wait to see what the APA has in store for next year."

Donnelly concluded, "There was a time when no one would show you anything about the game. Now, everyone is teaching what they know to those willing to learn and anxious to improve-that's what the U.S. Amateur is all about."