Full Aussie contingent for Dogwood
BY Anthony Powter | US Mens Amateur Tour | 2008 Dogwood Invitational | Preview | 25 Jun 2008
When the Dogwood Invitational starts tomorrow at Druid Hills Golf Club in Atlanta, Georgia, it will be the first occasion in a major US amateur event this season that a full Australian contingent lines up to battle the Americans.
Twelve Australasians will start the 72-hole stroke event with the cut coming after 54 holes for the low 36 and ties.
Matthew Griffin Audio Interview
New Zealand’s Danny Lee, runner-up in the event last year, is a confirmed starter. Rohan Blizard and Scott Arnold, were originally scheduled to compete, but have stayed in England attempting to pre-qualify for the British Open Championship.
The Australian contingent is spearheaded by world number nine, Matthew Griffin, playing in his first American tournament for the season, as well as Tim Stewart and Matthew Giles. Michael Foster, Matthew Jager, Brett Rankin, Josh Younger, Jason Scrivener, Daniel Beckmann, Ray Beaufils and Justin Roach are also scheduled to play the Dogwood.
Griffin returns to America this season full of confidence, after securing two National Trial titles, the Mandurah Easter Amateur and the Keperra Bowl, during the 2007-08 Australian seasonas well as a string of top-ten finishes.
“You return to America knowing what to expect,” said Griffin this evening after his first practice round at Druid Hills. “I want to start my professional career in the US, and I feel confident now playing in here.”
Following this morning’s practice round Griffin was impressed with the Druid Hills course, describing it as tough, but fair.
“The layout here is pure, it’s a bit like playing Augusta, but obviously not as good. Like many of the American courses it’s tree-lined, with thick rough and greens like glass. How you putt, will be a key factor this week. I’m feeling good about it.”
The Dogwood is one of America’s prized tournaments, ranked 11th under the Scratch Players World tournament system and dating back to 1941. With the field limited to qualified invitees and the host of top American amateurs, the event has traditionally become part of the training ground for Australians.
Adam Scott gave it a crack as an amateur, as did Andrew Buckle, who become the first Australian to claim the title in 2002. Rookie professional, Rick Kulacz has been the best performer in recent times, finishing 4th in 2006.
“These events are great tests,” says Matthew Giles, now based at University of Southern California.
Giles, Matt Jager and Jason Scrivener, are all playing their first full season on the major American amateur circuit. Giles is eager to establish himself in the main amateur ranks and test his game.
“We’ve just finished the College competition here. The level was amazing and my game has improved tremendously since arriving in January. You train hard and each week play tough events. I’m really looking forward to this season and to see how my game is against the best amateurs here in the US.”
Last year’s Dogwood tournament was a disappointing result for the Australians, with our best performer Jamie Arnold finishing T26. Arnold has since left the amateur ranks and is now playing professionally in Asia.
Ray Beaufils is the only Australian here this week that has played the event previously and made the cut – finishing 31st in 2007. Although Josh Younger only missed the cut by a stroke and will be certainly looking to improve in his opening American tournament for the season.
American James Simpson won the event last year at 19-under-par.
