Mckenzie continues English dominance at Spanish Int'l Am
Finalist Alex Fitzpatrick (L) and Billy Mckenzie (R) before title match
(Royal Spanish Golf Federation Photo)
MURCIA, Spain (March 4, 2018) - For the seventh time in the last 15 years an Englishmen has won the Spanish International Amateur. In an all English final at La Manga Club Billy Mckenzie outlasted his fellow countryman Alex Fitzpatrick 3&2 in the 36-hole final.
On the opening 18 Mckenzie took a comfortable 3 up lead and never relinquished the advantage on his way to the title. Early in the second round Mckenzie pushed his lead to as many as 5 up and he was able to withstand a late push from Fitzpatrick, the younger brother of 2016 Ryder Cupper Matthew Fitzpatrick.
The victory for Mckenzie is his third since 2015 in Golfweek/AmateurGolf.com events after he won the 2015 Berkshire Trophy and 2016 Tillman Trophy. In 2017 the future Wake Forest Demon Deacon recorded a pair of top-10 finishes in Golfweek/AmateurGolf.com events.
Mckenzie reached the finals following a 5&4 win in the semifinals over Spain's Eugenio López-Chacarra while Fitzpatrick advanced with a 1 up win over the third Englishman in the semis Robin Williams.
WOMEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP
CADIZ, Spain - In the Women's Championship Frida Kinhult of Sweden won a tight final match 1 up over Spain's Natalia Aseguinozala.
Kinhult held a 2 up lead with three holes remaining at Montecastillo Golf & Sports Resort before holding off the 15-year-old Spaniard down the stretch.
ABOUT THE Copa S.M. El Rey
36 hole stroke play qualifying from which 32
players advance to match play. Draws a strong field
from across Europe.
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