Jager loses momentum at NE Amateur
BY Anthony Powter | US Mens Amateur Tour | 2008 Northeast Amateur Championship | Round Three | 21 Jun 2008
Any momentum Matt Jager took into the Northeast Amateur following his second round 67, came to an abrupt halt following today’s third round at Wannamoisett Country Club in Rumford, Rhode Island. Jager started the day T15, six behind second round leader, American Nathan Smith, only to eventually finish middle field at T40, with a third round 7-over-par, 76.
“I just couldn’t get a birdie out there today,” said Jager.
“I had a few bad breaks with two doubles on the front nine and that kind of broke my momentum. The pins and where they are placed, makes it difficult if you short-side your approach. You’re then in trouble.”
Tournament organisers continue to set the Wannamoisett Country Club in a tough, yet fair manner. Of the eighty-two starters, only eight remain under-par at the Northeast Amateur, including New Zealand’s Danny Lee, at 1-under-par and T7, five strokes from third-round leader, Brendan Gielow.
Gielow moved four places after his third-round 67, to be six-under-par for the tournament and takes a two-stroke advantage from Will Strickler into the final round.
Grant Scott, joins Jager at 7-over-par and T40, following rounds of 71-72-71.
“The pins and where they are set, makes it difficult to score low,” remarked Scott, joint runner-up at the Australian Amateur Medal in April.
“The course is short, but the greens are really sloppy, which limits where they can position the pins. I would not say it is difficult, but it’s just tricky and the guys who have played here before have an advantage knowing the course and how to play it.”
Jason Scrivener carded an improved round of 73, to add to his rounds of 72-75, to be plus-13 for the tournament. A promising talent, Scrivener will take plenty away from his opening US tournament and is sure to emerge a force this American tour.
Should Danny Lee produce some magic and reduce the five-stroke deficit from Gielow, the New Zealander will secure his first American victory. Lee’s capable of scoring low with his known aggressive stye, as well as mounting final round challenges. Whether that will mix with the Wannamoisett Country Club layout, will be a matter to see.
