Ownbey, Einstein cruise to NC Match Play final

GASTONIA, N.C. (Aug. 4, 2018) – Top seed Carson Ownbey of Candler, N.C., continued his dominant performance with two commanding wins in the quarterfinals and semifinals of the North Carolina Match Play Championship. Ownbey ended both his matches after just 14 holes, winning the first, 6 and 4, and the second, 5 and 4.

Ownbey will face off against No. 10 seed Brandon Einstein of Clemmons, N.C. for the title. Einstein also ended both of his matches early on Saturday, winning his quarterfinal and semifinal matches, 2 and 1 and 3 and 2, respectively.

Ownbey said he's really not sure what's clicking so well for him this week, but believes consistency has been key.

"I think I've just been hitting a lot of fairways," said Ownbey, "Fairways and greens, along with the putter getting hot really helps."

The rising freshman at UNC Charlotte said that he looks forward to going up against a similar game in Einstein.

"Einstein is a really consistent player. He makes a lot of pars and is going to give me a good challenge tomorrow," said Ownbey.

Einstein admitted to some struggles off of the tee today, but said that otherwise he feels good about his game.

"The driver was a little iffy today. It was a go-to three-wood for most of the day, but other than that, I feel really good," said Einstein.

Einstein reciprocated Ownbey's anticipation for their match tomorrow.

"This week (Ownbey) has really taken it deep," said the incoming freshman at High Point University, "It's going to be a grind all 18 holes tomorrow."