MELBOURNE, Australia (Jan. 19, 2011) -- A host of leading players fell at the first hurdle on the opening day of Match Play at the Australian Amateur Championships at Woodlands Golf Club. Jake Higginbottom (NSW), Ryan McCarthy (Tas), Oliver Goss(WA) and Anthony Murdaca (SA) all lost in the opening round while defending champion Matt Stieger progressed to the second round with a 2&1 win.
Victorian pair Nathan Holman and Todd Sinnott were also victorious while the international contingent boasts 11 players from Germany, England, Ireland and New Zealand who earnt their places in Friday’s second round. Two time runner up Ben Campbell (NZ) is still in contention for a “third time lucky” shot at the title.
Medallist Cameron Smith accounted for Victorian Chris Winkler 4&3.
A total of 32 players now head into tomorrow’s two rounds.
1. 
Northern California