What a way to start match play.
After two rounds of stroke play, 18 players were on the 2-over cut line at the 120th U.S. Amateur at Bandon Dunes on Oregon’s coastline. Three spots in the Round of 64 for match play were up for grabs, meaning 18 of the world’s best would play until the spots on the bracket were filled.
First up was the par-4 10th. If necessary, the remaining players would play the par-4 11th and then the par-3 12th. The playoff never made it to No. 12.
Arizona State junior Cameron Sick and Duke senior Evan Katz each made birdie on No. 10 to qualify. Thirteen others made par to advance to the next hole. Ryan Gerard (North Carolina), Isaiah Jackson (Memphis) and Thomas Johnson (Oklahoma) were eliminated after making bogey.
Only one player, incoming Cal Bears freshman Aaron Du, made birdie on No. 11 to claim the 64th and final spot in match play.
Round of 64 matches began at 12:15 p.m. ET. You can check out the bracket, scores and times here.
