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Match Play Underway at Twin Oaks Country Club
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Updated: Thu 6/24/2010 10:05 pm
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Springfield, MO - June 24 - The field of over 160 players has been whittled down to 64 as the competition shifts to Match Play at Twin Oaks Country Club. It's the 2010 Missouri Amateur Championship and only one will be left standing on Sunday afternoon as the 103rd champion is crowned.
For the second consecutive year, University of Missouri golfer, Jace Long earned medalist honors after 36 holes of stroke play qualifying. Long, admittedly more comfortable this time around, breezed through this first round opponent on Thursday, "I think the experience I have gained with match play events has helped me the past year. Last year, being my first match play event, I was just a little uncomfortable out there. But now, it's just all fun out there on the course."
Long shot 68-66 to earn medalist honors and the #1 seed entering match play on Thursday. Long commented on the state of his game, "I'm driving the ball really well right now and that's the key to scoring out here. I have been able to keep it in the fairway which is giving me more looks at birdies."
Past champion, Connor McHenry, had a nice stroll around Twin oaks Country Club on Thursday as well, winning 8&7 in his first match. "I got off to a good start with birdies on 2 and 4 and just kept playing well," said McHenry. "Mentally I feel confident because I've made it through this long week before." And a long week it will be for the eventual champion, requiring victories in one match on Thursday, two matches on Friday and two more on Saturday before reaching the 36 hole finale on Sunday. To last long into the week, players have to maintain a healthy mind and body and play some great golf along the way. McHenry likes his chances if he keeps hitting like he is now, "If I play well, I feel like I can't be beat," commented the past Missouri Amateur Champion.
The Missouri Amateur championship brings out the best players from all over the state. However it's the local players that will rightfully receive the bulk of the attention this week as they look to win in their hometown. Jay McBride is one of these local players looking to have a great week at Twin Oaks Country Club. McBride won the 5th and 6th holes with birdies in his match against Brandon Cauldwell. A win with par on 11 and another birdie on 14, McBride assumed control of his match. "Brandon is an excellent player," said McBride, "He always fired back at me anytime I won a hole or two". McBride believes key to playing well at Twin Oaks Country Club is getting the ball on the correct side of the green in relation to the pin. "The placements have gotten more difficult and it's crucial to be on the correct side of the pin." That's easier said than done, but McBride is obviously in control of his golf ball so far this week.
It was only 8 years ago and it was another McBride stealing the headlines. Jay's brother, Mark McBride is a two-time Missouri Amateur Champion who was looking for his third title in the 2002 Missouri Amateur at Twin Oaks Country Club. Jay took a lot away from watching his older brother experience success in this event, "His attitude and ability to get the job done was impressive. He's one of the most focused players I have ever seen on the golf course when it comes to playing in the heat of competition."
You can follow the live match by match results online at the Missouri Golf Association website - HERE.
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