__TULSA, OKLA.--__They're down to 64 here at Southern Hills CC.
Finally.
After two grueling days of stroke-play competition in sticky, 95-degree heat at the 109th U.S. Amateur Championship, where the scoring average at Southern Hills and Cedar Ridge GC was a hefty 76.49 and the cut was eight-over 148, 27 golfers had to return Wednesday morning to play off for four unfilled spots in the match-play bracket.
Tyson Alexander,Brenton Flynn,Justin Bardgett and John Kostis advanced after four holes and a little more than three hours. Kostis got the last spot and draws medalist Tim Jackson for his first-round opponent. The irony of this match-up is that the two were in the same threesome that was repeatedly warned about slow play during the second round of stroke play Tuesday. Jackson received a one-shot penalty at the end of the round, but still claimed medalist honors, while Kostis did not, allowing him to get into the playoff in the first place.
The 27 participants played the par-3 14th hole first, with Alexander pitching in from 20 yards off the green for a birdie and Flynn making a 15-foot birdie putt. Eleven players made pars and moved on to the second playoff hole, the par-4 15th. There, Bardgett made a 15-foot birdie putt while five others made par to extend the playoff to a third hole. On the 16th, two players--Kostis and__ Cameron Hooper__--made pars but it was a birdie 3 on the 17th hole from Kostis that ended the playoff.
The best of Golf Digest delivered daily
Sign UpWill be used in accordance with our PRIVACY POLICY