Dream run continues as Flanagan reaches US Amateur final
BY Bruce Young | US Mens Amateur Tour | 2003 US Amateur Championship | Round Four | 24 Aug 2003
Nick Flanagan’s win in today’s semi final of the US Amateur will ensure that irrespective of the outcome of tomorrow’s final, he will get to play the US Masters next year. He will also get a start at the US Open at Shinnecock Hills.
Amongst the categories for inclusion on the invitee list for Augusta is one for the runner up at the US Amateur and a place at the US Open is another reward for making it this far. It may just be that he will become the champion following his final tomorrow against eighteen year old Casey Wittenberg, but irrespective this has been a life altering week for the nineteen year old from Newcastle.
His win in today’s semi final over David Oh came after he had given up an early three up lead. He lost five holes in a row from the eighth to go two down but was able to gather himself and eventually won the match one up after he parred the last.
“Just to have the invite to the Masters and U.S. Open for next year is great,” said Flanagan. “I think I will be a lot more relaxed Sunday, win or lose. I could lose 9 and 8 and be a lot calmer than I was today when I was 3 up.”
American Casey Wittenberg is perhaps the hottest property in amateur golf currently but Flanagan has nothing to lose in what will be an all teenage final.
