He didn’t need to get his feet wet, or an event under his belt, or even a third try to earn his charm.

All Lew Mitchell needed was a tee time.

Mitchell, a Troy resident, recently qualified for the U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship on his first attempt. The USGA event will be held in Houston, TX. The tournament will run from Sept. 17-22 at Shadow Hawk Golf Club.

Mitchell qualified by finishing in the top three at the Auburn qualifier at Moore’s Mill Golf Club.

“It feels good,” Mitchell said. “I didn’t start out all that well but was able to get back under par.”

The 2001 graduate of The Lakeside School in Eufaula shot a 1-under 71 to clinch his place in Texas.

The winner of the Championship receives an invite to compete in The Masters in Augusta, Ga. Also, the top finisher will receive an exemption from the local qualifying rounds for the U.S. Open for the next three years.

“I’m looking forward to competing, said Mitchell. “It will probably be the hardest course I’ve played so we’ll see.”