Nathan Barbieri (left) and caddie Braith Anasta (Golf NSW photo)
TERREY HILLS, NEW SOUTH WALES, Australia (Jan. 23, 2019) – An international quarterfinal awaits at the New South Wales Amateur. The remaining eight players at Terrey Hills Golf & Country Club represent four countries, even though half of those men represent the home country.
Among the most notable names is Australian Nathan Barbieri, who is just a few days removed from his run to the championship match at the Australian Amateur in Melbourne. Barbieri ultimately lost that tournament to Irishman Conor Purcell, but he starting another run this week.
At Terrey Hills, Barbieri got through England’s Matty Lamb in the morning session, 1 up, before defeating another Englishman, Callan Barrow, by a 2-and-1 margin late in the afternoon.
Interestingly, Barbieri had Fox TV personality and former NRL star Braith Anasta on his bag.
“A very long day, I didn’t want to go the full 18 this afternoon, but he pushed me there, so I’m happy I got the win,” he said. “I am so tired, but I have to keep going, keep recovering. Will keep the fluids up.”
Barbieri will face Gun Queenslander Jed Morgan in the quarterfinals and was prepared for that challenge.
“Keep doing the same thing, play smart off the tee and give myself as many chances as I can,” he said.
For the first time in several tries, New South Wales team captain James Grierson is not only into match play, but is one of the final players remaining.
“This tournament has been a monkey on my back. It’s nice to take it off,” Grierson said after defeating Josh Greer, 2 and 1.
Grierson will play Canadian Josh Whalen in the next round.
Another Canadian, Joey Savoie, will face Benjamin Jones at the top of the bracket. Australian Lucas Higgins and Indian Kartik Sharma will face off below them.
Information from Golf New South Wales used in this report
ABOUT THE NSW Men's Amateur
The NSW Medal is played over two courses. It is
two rounds of 18-holes stroke play and then match
play.
The field is evenly divided between the two
venues for the first day’s play with players
changing venues for their second round. The winner
of
the 36 holes stroke play
section of the Championship is the winner of the
NSW Medal.
The leading 32 players from the NSW Medal
(who have nominated to play in the NSW
Amateur) will be eligible to compete in the NSW
Amateur Championship Match Play, with each
match played over 18-holes other than the Final
which is played over 36-holes. The match play is
seeded with ties determined by lot.
View Complete Tournament Information