Eight Remain After Friday at Texas Mid-Amateur Match Play
ROCKWALL — No. 1 Seed Brad Mason had to stave off upsets in both of his matches today but managed to secure his spot in the quarterfinals. Mason was two down with three holes to play in his first match but clawed back with a pair of late birdies to win in 19 holes. He then began his second match two down through three holes but then won six of the next nine holes to propel himself to the quarterfinals. No. 2 Seed Adam House was upset, 3&2, by No. 31 Seed Shane Heise.
Round of 32: Two matches could not be settled in 18 holes. As mentioned, Brad Mason won in 19 holes against David Johnson, and 24-seed Bryan Buie downed 9-seed Jonathan Paulson on their 19th hole. Andrew Grice, the 28-seed, defeated Rockwall member and 5-seed Chris Pena in another unexpected result to advance. Eleven of the top sixteen seeds advanced to today’s Round of 16.
Round of 16: Second round matches began early just as the last groups made the turn in their first round. All eight matches in the afternoon made it to at least the 15th hole. Co-medalist Brad Mason, former champion and 3-seed Christopher Wheeler, host club member and 4-seed Harrison Mahon, and 7-seed Chris Minton are the highest seeded players to move onto the quarterfinals. Brock Mulder (8-seed) is the only other Rockwall member to advance.
Featured Match: The only past champions in the field, Christopher Wheeler and Colby Harwell, will face each other at 7:54 am tomorrow morning.
Weather: Players again met with Texas summer heat as perceived temperatures reached 99 degrees during the afternoon matches. Clear skies and calm breezes graced the property throughout Friday’s play.
Course: Located 25 miles east of Dallas, Rockwall Golf & Athletic Club (formerly The Shores Country Club) opened in 1979 with an 18-hole championship course originally designed by Ralph Plummer. In 2012, noted Texas-based architect Jeffery Blume supervised a comprehensive remodel of the course that included reshaping and reconstructing tee boxes, fairways, bunkers and green complexes.
The par-72 layout, which is situated along the northeastern edge of Lake Ray Hubbard, is artfully routed through the natural environment with a compelling mix of holes trundling up and down over the rolling terrain. Stretching to 7,393 yards from the back tees, the course features an array of strategic elements that provide a rigorous challenge for even the most accomplished players.
Tournament History: The 27th edition of the championship began with the mid-amateur (25 years and older) starting field playing 18 holes of stroke play qualifying on Thursday, July 24. Today’s Round of 32 and Round of 16 brought the remaining field to 8 players. Quarterfinal and Semifinal round matches will be played July 26th, and the championship match will be played July 27th.
POY Points Race: Statewide Player of the Year points will be awarded to the top players making it to the Round of 16. The champion will receive 750 points towards the statewide honor followed by 500 for runner-up, 400 for semifinalists, 200 for quarterfinalists, and 100 for Round of 16 participants. For more information about TGA Statewide Player of the Year points, click here.
What’s Next: Quarterfinals will begin at 7:30 am tomorrow morning, and the four players to advance will begin their semifinal matches in the early afternoon.
About the TGA: The Texas Golf Association was established in 1906 with a mission to promote the playing and advancement of the royal and ancient game of golf in Texas. The association is one of the most respected in the country with an ongoing commitment to its members, contestants, volunteers and all who strive to preserve the great traditions of the game. For more information about the Texas Mid-Amateur Match Play, click here.