Tampion returns to form at Porter Cup
IN: News | US Mens Amateur | Porter Cup (2006) | Wrap | by Anthony Powter | 30 Jul 2006
It was always going to be an interesting final day in the Porter Cup given that seven golfers were within six shots of the leaders, Americans Skip Berkmeyer and Steve Han.
Kiwi Josh Geary was poised to strike, but as his final round unfolded with a closing 76, Geary would join the growing list of Australasian causalities from this tournament, in a week that many of our top line amateurs would rather forget.
There was some salvation with Andrew Tampion's closing 67, the second lowest for the final day that would see the National Squad member finish T9th and finish our best amateur. The others; well the 2006 Porter Cup failed to deliver any rewards and resulted in a disappointing tournament for the Australasian contingent who have enjoyed solid results in the month and a half they have been there.
By all accounts Tampion was "due" for a solid finish after making the match play format of the North & South Amateur the previous month, considered another "major" American amateur tournament. The Victorian's US performances have otherwise been rather lacking, with a missed cut in the Dogwood Invitational and a T33rd in the Players Amateur after a final round 66.
A seasoned international player, Tampion would undoubtedly being looking for better results and his top ten finish is bound to give him confidence for the remaining leg of his US venture. He is a class player and following this mornings result it will be interesting as to what else Tampion will achieve whilst in America.
American Steve Han would win the 2006 Porter Cup by a two shot lead, the first major victory for the University of Las Vegas sophomore as well as the pleasure of donning the traditional green blazer given to the champion. With today's victory, Han moves up the US Amateur ranking to 6th position and poised to become a real challenge in next months US Amateur, to be played at Hazeltine National, August 21-27.
Western Australian Rick Kulacz was the next best Australian behind Tampion, finishing T15th followed by Steve Dartnall (T18th),Kiwi Josh Geary (T26th) and Ashley Hall (T30th). Tim Stewart finished strongly with a closing 69 with the Australian Amateur Champion finishing T34rd along with Mark Purser at T45th position.
Won Joon Lee finished T49th along with fellow Australian National Squad member, Tristan Lambert. Lee must be searching for solutions to his game in what can be described as uncharacteristic performances in the US to date. Granted, Lee finished 5th at The Players Amateur, but otherwise, the South African Amateur finalist and NSW Amateur champion has yet to fire in America and reveal what a talent he is.
Today's victory for Han not only enabled him to add a valuable blazer to his wardrobe but also, and more importantly, put his name on the Porter Cup along those like David Duval, Ben Crenshaw, John Cook, Scott Verplank and Phil Mickelson; not bad for a 19-year-old competing in his first Porter Cup.
Photo - Anthony Powter
