Aussie Amateur an international affair

BY Anthony Powter | Australian Mens Amateur Tour | 2008 Australian Amateur Championship | Matchplay Round Two | 18 Apr 2008

Just three Australians remain in contention at the Australian Amateur championship following the second round of elimination match play at Royal Adelaide.

On a day where numerous top seeds became casualties, including Tim Stewart, Scott Arnold, Rohan Blizard and world number one amateur, England’s Danny Will, the Australian Amateur is now a truly international affair.

Matthew Griffin, Michael Foster and Shaun Malone stand alone as the sole surviving Australians. Griffin displayed flawless golf in defeating the 2007 champion, Rohan Blizard, 5&3. Foster accounted for Brett Rankin, 4&3, whilst Shaun Malone defeated another Aussie, Josh Younger, 3&2.

Second round casualties included Tim Stewart, Ray Beaufils, Scott Arnold and the top seed, England’s Danny Willett. The strong favourite to take out the title has become New Zealand’s Danny Lee. Lee is matched in tomorrow’s quarter-final against Matthew Griffin.

Lee, ranked 5th in the world, will present Griffin one of his biggest amateur career challenges as the Melbournian seeks his maiden national title.

“I’m ready for it,” said Griffin.

“All week I’ve been playing solid golf. The secret with these matches is you have to get a flying start. If you get caught early, it becomes very difficult to get back into it.”

Locally, Griffin is one of the standout performers this season with a 4th at the Dunes Medal last November, a runner-up at the Lake Macquarie Amateur in January to Danny Lee, a T6 at the Riversdale Cup in February and his recent win at last month’s Mandurah Eastern Amateur.

“I’ve certainly have some form coming into this Australian Amateur,” says Griffin.

“It’s a hard task ahead, as five of the world’s top eighteen ended up in the top half of the draw here in Adelaide. In a field of this quality and you cannot miss a shot.”

Michael Foster is another exhibiting good form coming into this Australian Amateur. Last week the Western Australian won his second consecutive State title, and this afternoon’s victory over fellow National Squad member Brett Rankin, sees Foster confident that he’s brought the game to Adelaide to seriously challenge for the championship.

“You must get out of the blocks quick and get those early birdies to have any chance,” remarked Foster, winner of the 2007 US Rice Planters championship.

Foster has drawn against fellow Western Australian, Shaun Malone, in tomorrow’s quarter-final, and despite originating from the same state, they’ve never played each other in match play.

“It’s no different to playing one of the internationals,” remarked Foster.

“Anyone who’s made it this far obviously is playing well, as the quality of the field just been enormous. It’s sure to be a tough match.”

Griffin, Malone and Foster all bring form and confidence to this Australian Amateur. They’ll need it, as the internationals are threatening to take the Australian Amateur from our shores, as the championship turns into a true international affair.