ALPHARETTA, GA (October 7, 2018) - Matthew Hayes of Marietta defeated Samuel Lape of Atlanta 2 & 1 to capture the Atlanta Amateur Match Play Championship. The 100th playing of this event took place at Echelon Golf Club, October 4-7.

Lape got off to a hot start with birdies on No. 3 and No. 5 to go 2 up thru five holes. Hayes answered with a birdie on No. 6 and No. 9 which left the match all square thru nine holes.

On the back nine is where Hayes was able to find his rhythm. Lape won No. 10 but Hayes would go on to win three of the next four holes and take a 2 up advantage. Lape was able to get one back with a birdie on No. 15 but ultimately Hayes was too strong and closed out the match on No. 17, 2 & 1.

It was all Furman final with Matthew Hayes playing golf at Furman University (2005-2009) and Samuel Lape committed to play golf at Furman next year.

Hayes advanced to the semifinals through a disqualification and then defeated Bob Royak of Alpharetta in the semifinals, (3 & 1) to earn a spot in the final match. Hayes had two convincing victories in the earlier rounds over Phillip Webb of Woodstock (5 and 3) and Harrison Mink of Johns Creek (4 & 2).

Samuel Lape of Atlanta is senior at Westminster School and prevailed with two impressive victories. In the quarterfinals he ousted Preston Topper of Duluth (2 up) and followed that up with a win over former champion, Chris Waters of Atlanta, (3 & 2). He had a victory in the Round of 32 over Adam Walden of Wrens (20 holes) and convincing victory in the Round of 16 over David Reynolds of Cumming (5 & 4).



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