Three Punch Their Tickets to 121st U.S. Amateur
Eureka, MO – Three players advanced to the 121st U.S. Amateur on Tuesday through qualifying at Aberdeen Golf Club in Eureka.
Christopher Ferris fired a 3-under 68 for the second straight day to earn medalist honors while claiming the first qualifying spot. Ferris, whose home course is Aberdeen, knew how to navigate the links course, carding nine birdies, tied for the tournament lead, and just three bogeys through the 36 holes.
The UMSL graduate was 4-under when he made the turn Tuesday. A birdie on No. 14 coming in ultimately gave him Low Scorer.
“I did a good job of keeping it in play and giving myself some good looks for birdie,” Ferris said. “When I was in trouble, I was able to get myself out, staying away from double and triples the last two days. Home course, so I knew these greens and I just executed.”
Max Kreikemeier claimed the second qualifying spot after going 5-under (68-69) the two days of competition. The rising junior at Missouri State made the turn at 1-over, but a strong back nine, carding three birdies and no bogeys his last nine holes, moved him into the second qualifying spot.
“I kept it in play for a good part of the tournament,” Kreikemeier said. “I think I hit 15 greens and 11 fairways, just giving myself chances for birdie. I just gave myself chance to make par every hole.”
Third and final qualifying spot went to 18-hole leader Zach Shirley. The rising sophomore at Lyon College had a little home field advantage since he works in the golf shop just up the road from Aberdeen at Pevely Farms.
Shirley carded the low round of the day the first 18, carding a bogey-free 4-under 67. He followed that up with an even par round today and claimed the third and final qualifying spot by a stroke. Key birdies on No. 16 and 17 coming in moved him just inside the cut line.
“I was pretty comfortable, my iron play was great and that’s because I practice on some crazy lies here all the time,” Shirley said. “I felt good coming into this tournament and I was excited to lead after the first day. Today was a little bit harder with the swing not being there sometimes but I got through it.”
Ferris, Kreikemeier and Shirley made up the final group of the day on Tuesday.
Alex Locke claimed the first alternate spot after a five-hole playoff. Yu Ta Tsai is the second alternate.
The 121st playing of the U.S. Amateur Championship will take place August 9-15 at Oakmont Country Club in Oakmont, Pennsylvania. Longue Vue Club will serve as co-host for stroke play.
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