McHenry Goes Down at Missouri Amateur
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Updated: Fri 6/25/2010 9:42 pm
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Springfield, MO - Twin Oaks Country Club - The 2007 Missouri Amateur Champion was looking to join the select few accomplished players to win multiple state amateur titles this week at Twin Oaks Country Club. Coming off an impressive 8&7 victory in his first match on Thursday, McHenry looked to be one of the favorites as the championship made its way into the weekend.
However, let us introduce you to Matt Miller of Eldon, MO. Competing in his 3rd Missouri Amateur Championship and having never advanced past the 2nd round of Match Play, Miller didn't appear to be the one to squash McHenry's aspirations of a second state title. Miller advanced to the round of 32 after defeating Joe Eccleton, 5&4 by virtue of dominating the par 5's at Twin Oaks Country Club. Miller put together a stretch of eagle, birdie, eagle over holes 8, 9 and 10 to take control of his first round bout.
After getting off to a slow start in his Thursday match, Miller knew the importance of getting off to a good start against a player the caliber of McHenry, "If I start off being 1 over through the first 3 holes, I will be in a hole that will be tough to get out of against such a good player." Miller responded on Friday morning winning the first two holes against the 2007 State Amateur Champion and never trailed as he went on to win 3&2 and advance to the Sweet 16 for the first time.
McHenry wasn't the only past Amateur Champion to see his tournament come to an end on Friday morning. Wayne Fredrick, longtime Springfield resident, was up against Kevin Kring, Springfield native, and member of the University of Colorado golf team. In a match in which only four holes were won, it was Kring who proved to be too much for the past champion. "It means a lot to win this match. I have so much respect for Wayne and what he has been able to accomplish. Beating him gives me the confidence to think I can move along in this championship," commented Kring. Kring will face University of Missouri golfer, William Harrold in their Friday afternoon match at Twin Oaks Country Club.
The trend of hometown heroes falling on Friday continued as both Thomas Hay, student at Drury University, and Jay McBride were defeated. Hay lost to relative newcomer to the Missouri Amateur Match Play Championship, Patrick Harrell of Lake St. Louis, MO in a match that went 20 holes. McBride was defeated by David Eddy, Webb City, MO 3&2.
Harrell's victory over Hay marked the second consecutive day the Lindenwood University sophomore needed overtime to advance. "Thomas made a lot of clutch putts and played great all day. He made it very hard and we both played great, especially on the back nine," said Harrell. Hay and Harrell exchanged eagles and birdies over the back nine at Twin Oaks Country Club, yet it was a par save at 18 that gave Harrell the opportunity to extend the match. Harrell made par on the difficult 2nd hole to win the match and earn a spot against the tournaments #1 seed, Jace Long on Friday afternoon.
Unlike Hay, McBride didn't really get a chance to settle in on Friday morning. David Eddy started the match on fire, with birdies on the first four holes. Consecutive bogeys at 5 and 6 gave McBride a chance to get back to 1 down, but a bogey on the par 4, 9th hole extended Eddy's lead back to 2 up. After a birdie on the par 3, 11th hole, Eddy was able to ride out the back nine for a 3&2 victory.
Clay Ederer advanced on Friday morning, defeating Jack Courington, 3&2. Ederer will have his hands full Friday afternoon as he squares off against Brian Whittle of Golden City, MO. Golden City, a small farm town located about 40 minutes outside of Joplin, isn't exactly the first town you think of when you think of championship golf. Brian Whittle has plans to change that this week at Twin Oaks Country Club. When not practicing or playing golf, Whittle can be found on his family farm helping out his father. "While I'm here right now, he is planting beans," said Whittle. While Whittle isn't one of the most experienced players in this year's field, he's seen the best and will benefit from his run last year, "Last year I made it to the round of 8 but ended up getting beat by Skip Berkmeyer. So if I win my match this afternoon, I'll find myself in a familiar situation."
Speaking of Skip Berkmeyer, he continues to handle his business, advancing past Brevin Giebler 4&3 on Friday morning. Berkmeyer may have already experienced his "scary" match yesterday when he barely got past hometown favorite and Twin Oaks CC member, Antonio Serrano 1up. Berkmeyer will play Zach Vandolah of Kansas City next who defeated Chris Stack of Springfield, MO in the round of 32.
