Lee outlasts Griffin in quarter-finals
IN: News | Australian Mens Amateur | Australian Amateur Championship (2008) | Quarter-Finals | by Anthony Powter | 19 Apr 2008
Danny Lee has withstood a late charge by Matthew Griffin to progress to the semi-finals of the Australian Amateur at Royal Adelaide.
Lee blasted out of the blocks, moving to be 5-up through six holes, leaving Griffin in his wake.
“My start was very good,” said the world number five.
Griffin responded to Lee’s opening charge, bringing it to an abrupt holt on the ninth hole and then went to win the next three holes in his own birdie frenzy.
“That’s one of the toughest matches I’ve played,” remarked Griffin. “Danny got off to that magnificent start and I was behind the eight ball early. Overall, this has been my best Australian Amateur and I’m happy with the result.”
The turning point of the match was the 17th at Royal Adelaide. The players all week have considered the hole to be an easy birdie opportunity. This morning it was playing into the moderate easterly wind, far more than its 473 metres.
Lee hit a peerless 3-wood from 215 metres to the centre of the green, Griffin earlier 3-wood had ended just short left of the green and he was facing a delicate up and down.
“My 3-wood on seventeen was the match turning point,” said Lee.
“I hit a high cut towards the left side of the green, hoping the wind would bring it back. It did and set up the opportunity for me.”
Lee edged the 10 metre downhill putt to within half-metre of the cup to claim the hole, requiring Griffin to win the last to stay in the match.
Conceded pars on the 18th secured Lee’s semi-final berth against Norwegian Anders Kristiansen.
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