McGovern best Aussie at Cotton States
IN: News | US Mens Amateur | Cotton States Invitational (2008) | Matchplay Round Three | by Anthony Powter | 28 Jun 2008
Before leaving Australia a month ago, Rhys McGovern wanted to plan something different for his maiden US tour. His objective was simple. To see how well he could cope with the unknown challenges of life on tour in an areas outside his normal comfort zone.
The Cotton States Invitational at Bayou DeSiard Country Club in Monroe, Louisiana, provided the perfect opportunity for this.
Rhys McGovern Audio Interview
McGovern, from Tweed Heads on the NSW/QLD border, had never experienced the intensity of major US amateur golf, both on and off the course. A tournament like the Cotton States, with stroke qualification and elimination matchplay, a format used in the US Amateur, was too attractive to let pass by.
“I looked at the Cotton States Invitation and thought, ‘that’s rather unique’, and then selected it as an option,” said McGovern, who is ranked 505 in the world.
The gamble paid off as McGovern qualified the 36th seed for the matchplay after the two round stroke qualification. He won his first two matches after epic battles including a second round 2&1 win against fellow countryman Nathan McMullen, only to be knocked out in the 3rd round by the narrowest of margins this morning.
“This was a great experience for me,” remarked McGovern.
“To make the matchplay and have two wins in both really tough matches, has opened my eyes to just how good the competition is here in America. Today’s match was close and I had my opportunities, but this was well worth the effort to play in Texas.”
McGovern fell victim 1-down to American Cody Santone in their third round encounter, yet the experiences of the week have lifted McGovern’s belief he can compete in the US this tour.
“It’s just so different to tournaments back home. You are made to feel like a professional and each player in the field is capable of winning. Not knowing them and their game makes it more of a challenge.”
“Back home you can get too comfortable and you know all the main players and tend to play against them too often. I wanted to play outside my comfort zone and this is one of the best moves that I’ve done, travelling down here by myself to experience the difference.”
McGovern re-joins his travelling Aussie mates at the Rice Planters Invitational next week at Snee Farm Country Club in South Carolina, yet this detour was exactly what he wanted and needed. It’s enabled him to get his footing early, before competing in his next events that also include the Eastern and the Southern Amateur.
“I love it here and you can see why America is such an attraction for many Australian golfers.”
Grant Scott was the highest Australian qualifier in the matchplay component at 24th, with rounds of 71-71. Scott was eliminated early in the first round by American Michael Smith, 2&1.
David McKendrick, originally from Victoria and who is now attending college at the University of Louisiana, finished runner-up in this event last year but was also unable to advance pass the first round, losing to Rob Laird, 1-down.
Victorians Luke Bleumink and Ben Weatherly also advanced to the second rounds, with Weatherly losing on the 22nd hole to American Ryan Haselden.
