Jiri Zuska wins GCAA Amateur Series stop in Louisville

Czech mate. Louisville junior and Czech Republic native Jiri Zuska lapped the field at the GCAA Amateur Series event at the home of the Cardinals, the University of Louisville Golf Club. Roaring out an amazing start on Saturday, Zuska played the front nine at nine under par through the first 36 holes. Teeing off on the back side first for both rounds, Zuska closed the first two rounds of the event with authority. Although on fire all day, Zuska’s 12-under, 132 was still not enough for the overnight lead. That honor was earned by Oakland University senior, Thomas Giroux. A pair of 65s found Giroux with a two shot lead over Zuska and the field. In 36 holes played on Saturday, Giroux had just one bogey which came on his third hole of the day, the par-3 3rd. Sunday was not just a much different day, but a different planet for Giroux. Even on the day and still 14-under for the tournament, Giroux simply fell apart. He rattled off five straight bogeys before going par-bogey to finish out the day on Nos. 17 and 18 for a final round 6-over 78. In a free fall, Giroux fell from contention to a threeway tie for second at 8-under 208. While Giroux was conducting the bogey train, Zuska avoided a similar fate. Even through the front nine, the Cardinal picked up birdies on hole Nos. 10, 11, 16, and 17 with one bogey on the par-5 13th. The 3-under 69 was not only enough to get things done but nearly lap the field. Zuska’s 15-under 201 was seven shots clear of the nearest competitors making for a nice cruise through the final few holes.