British Amateur: Youth over Experience in Quarterfinals
West Essex
SOUTHPORT, ENGLAND (June 3, 2005) -- Oliver Fisher, the 16-year-old from West Essex, got off to a fast start in his match against experienced Walker Cup player Nigel Edwards, 20 years his senior, to claim his place in this afternoon's semi-finals with a 2 and 1 victory. Fisher was three up after four holes and although Edwards pulled back to just one down with wins at the fifth and sixth, the youngster raced away to establish a three hole lead again after 11 holes.
His opponent in the first semi-final will be Brian McElhinney of the North West club in Co Donegal who had a 2 and 1 win over Gary Lockerbie of Penrith. Lockerbie trailed throughout the outward holes but squared the match at the ninth. McElhinney had established a two-hole lead by the time they stood on the 17th tee and a half in birdies at the 547-yard par five was enough for victory.
Lloyd Saltman from Craigielaw, already winner this season of the Brabazon and St Andrews Links Trophies, had a tight match against Darren Crowe from Belfast's Dunmurry club before recording a two hole win. A crucial 12-foot birdie putt at the 17th earned him a half and retained his one hole advantage before he hit a drive and five-iron to six feet at the last. "It was a scrappy match," said Saltman, "but it's good to win when you're not playing well."
This afternoon he will play John Gallagher of Swanston Golf Club in Edinburgh, who had a 3 and 2 win over another Scot, Bryan Fotheringham of Forres. Gallagher won the first two holes, but was brought back to square at the eighth before claiming the ninth, 10th and 12th to head into the semi-finals.
To view complete results of Round 5, click on the tournament link above.
ABOUT THE British Amateur
This championship, along with the US Amateur Golf
Championship, is considered the most important in
amateur golf.
The first stage of the Championship involves 288
players each of whom plays two rounds of 18 holes,
one to be played on each of the two courses. The 64
lowest scores over the 36 holes and ties for 64th
place will compete in the match play stage of the
Championship. Each match will consist of one round
of 18 holes except the Final which will be over 36
holes.
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