Aussie Macpherson third at Dogwood

BY Anthony Powter | US Mens Amateur Tour | 2010 Dogwood Invitational | Round Four | 05 Jul 2010

US based Aussie, Bryden Macpherson, has secured a 3rd place finish at the Dogwood Invitational at Druid Hills Golf Club in Atlanta.

Macpherson, a Freshman at the University of Georgia where the dual 2009 Australian and New Zealand Amateur Stroke champion has been based since January, carded rounds of 72-69-64-68 to finish at 15-under-par, four strokes behind eventual winner, American, Andrew Yun.

A sizzling third round 8-under-par 64 had elevated Macpherson into contention at the Dogwood Invitational with the world number 22 going into the final round six behind overnight leader Yun. Macpherson knew the Druid Hills layout was receptive to low scoring and with that had to take full advantage of the birdie opportunities to challenge for the tournament, as well as have some luck on his side.

“I played really well today,” said Macpherson after his final round.

“I was able to get lucky a lot and thought it might be my day. I just didn’t capitalise on the back nine, which eventually cost me. Everything seemed to be clicking, but then it all slowed towards the end. Overall, I’m generally pleased with the way I was able to finish this event.”

The 3rd place result is Macpherson’s highest ranked finish at a main US amateur tournament and securing it early in the US season will give him the confidence moving forward as the US season gets into full swing during the next few months.

“I’m really happy with the week,” says Macpherson.

“I’ve been waiting for a good week here, so I think it should all feel a little easier from now on. I’ve proven to myself that I can do it over here and play well in these events. Results like this just makes it that easier as you compete in the other main events.”

Macpherson’s transition to the US Collegiate system has been relatively smooth. He loves the college live and the discipline associated with combining academia with the pursuit of his dream to eventually play professional golf in the US.

“The US collegiate system has been really good for me,” says Macpherson.

“The competition has elevated my game dramatically. I’m still sticking with my routines and development programs from Australia but are also combining some US practices.”

The US Collegiate system is not for the fainthearted. With stringent training schedules and targets set, players receive the complete package of tuition, training and competition. The whole system is something Macpherson finds not just attractive, but also challenging.

“I’ve picked up a new gym trainer, Dave Donnatucci, and he’s made a big difference with my fitness and approach to the game. I’m loving it here, just living the dream and getting some priceless experience in the process. Next tournament is The Players and I’m looking forward to it ,especially after this week in Atlanta.”

Ryan McCarthy was the next best placed Australian after firing a final round 5-under-par, 67, the second low-round for the day and with that secured a 13th place finish at 9-under-par. McCarthy had fired rounds of 68-74-70 to be in a tie for 29th moving into the final round and knew that he would have to take his chances to make his move on a day where everyone was posting low rounds.

“The course offered many chances, but if you didn’t take them, you would lose shots to the field,” remarked McCarthy.

“Overall, I felt that I played well for my first tournament here. I struggled with putts in the 6-15ft area during the first two rounds and that was reflected in my scores. I was then able to get the putter rolling in the final two rounds with 28 and 25 putts and that made the difference for me.”

Jason Scrivener had another top-20 finish in a main US tournament finishing at 7-under-par and in a tie for 16th after rounds of 71-70-70-70. Last week Scrivener finished the best of the Australians in 17th position in the Northeast Amateur at Wannamoisett Country Club in Rhode Island.

Kalem Richardson, who hit his straps during the second round at the Dogwood with his 5-under-par round, also finished in a tie for 16th position with Scrivener after rounds of 71-67-73-70.

Kieran Pratt and Tim Hart finished in a tie for 29th position at 3-under-par with scores of 70-69-73-73 and 68-74-70-72 respectively, and rounded out the Australian contingent that made the cut in Atlanta.