Solid start for Giles, Lee at US Amateur
IN: News | US Mens Amateur | US Amateur Championship (2008) | Round One | by Anthony Powter | 19 Aug 2008
Danny Lee has opened at the US Amateur championship in North Carolina with a 1-over-par 71 on Pinehurst’s No. 4 course to have the world number one amateur four shots behind opening round leaders Wesley Bryan and Andrew Putnam, who both posted rounds of three-under 67.
The 108th US Amateur is being contested at Pinehurst’s No.2 and No.4 courses. Bryan, ranked 279th in the world and with two top-5 finishes this season played No.2, while Putnam, ranked 127th played No.4.
Joining Lee in T36 position is Australian Matthew Giles, who also opened with a very creditable 71.
“I played the par 3’s really well,” said Giles. “That I thought was a key to a solid round on No.4.”
“It was smart golf and I hit a lot of shots to the centre of the green, which is enough around here and in this tournament, so all in all, I’m pleased with today.”
Lee and Giles will play Pinehurst’s famed No.2 course that has served as the venue for two US Opens, a US Amateur, a Ryder Cup and a PGA Championship.
Among other top-five world ranked players, Rickie Fowler (2) carded a 73, Billy Horschel (3) shot 69, Kyle Stanley (4) had a 70 and Jamie Lovemark (5) came in with 74. Each of the top five played Pinehurst’s No.4 course.
Brian Harman, the 2003 US Junior Amateur champion and a member of the 2007 US Walker Cup team, and Nick Taylor, a quarter-finalist from last year, are among 15 players at even-par 70 after the first round.
Last year’s winner Colt Knost has turned professional and currently plays on the Nationwide Tour. No player has successfully defended their title since Tiger Woods secured his run of three consecutive US Amateur titles in 1996.
The low 64 scores after the second round will advance to match play, and a 36-hole championship match is scheduled for Sunday.
