Australian Amateur runner-up Nathan Barbieri, Lucas Higgins of Murwillumbah and Bonnie Doon’s James Grierson are the sole male NSW representatives left standing after the first day of the NSW Amateur championship match play rounds at Terrey Hills Golf and Country Club.
Barbieri has continued his recent stellar form, accounting for England’s Matty lamb in the morning session, one up, before claiming the scalp of another Englishman, Callan Barrow, 2&1 one late this afternoon.
With Fox TV personality and former NRL star Braith Anasta on his bag for the duration of the day, Barbieri played with a level of composure and looks ready to go one step better than last week.
“A very long day, I didn’t want to go the full 18 this afternoon, but he pushed me there, so I’m happy I got the win.
“I am soo tired, but I have to keep going, keep recovering will keep the fluids up.”
Barbieri explained the relationship with Anasta was forged through his father, Ernie, who worked with the former NRL star at Fox.
“Dad used to work with him at fox sports.
“He’s just a great bloke; he’s helping me out a lot which is good.
“He can hit a ball too; he has some golf knowledge.
“We had a great chat all day, and we just had to switch on when the shot is on, and when it’s not just talking about whatever,” Barbieri said.
Barbieri will face Gun Queenslander Jed Morgan in tomorrow’s semi-final, a task he knows will be a tough one. He understands what he has to do and doesn’t think the game plan will need too much adjusting.
“Keep doing the same thing, play smart off the tee and give myself as many chances as I can,” he smiled.
LEE TO SWEET AS TOY BUNDLED OUT
England’s Emily Toy has gone down gallantly to Queensland’s Sarah Lee in the first round of the Women’s NSW Amateur at Terrey Hills Golf and Country Club.
Lee, 17, speaking through an interpreter described her win as a great result.
“I was mentally strong today, and I played well,” she smiled.
“Emily was good. It was a difficult match to win.”
Sarah will now face the formidable Grace Kim, who made short work of the young kiwi Fiona Xu, 6&4.
“It will be very tough,” Lee smiled.
In other results, Australian Master of the Amateurs Champion Stephanie Kyriacou made short work of Carmen Lim, winning 6&5, while England’s Cara Gainer kept the English colours flying with a 4 & 3 win over Doey Choi.
Kyriacou was happy with her win.
“I am hitting it really good, and I have myself heaps of birdie looks. I rolled a few in early and it got me off to a good start.
“I was four up through four,” Kyriacou said.
The Women’s quarterfinal action will begin again tomorrow at 7.40am.
FAVOURITES KNOCKED OUT AS MATCHPLAY HEATS UP
Local favourites Josh Armstrong and Jordie Garner have been bundled out of the 2019 Amateur after the conclusion of the morning matchplay.
Armstrong was never in his match against India’s Kartik Sharma, going down 4&3 in one of the more surprising results.
Garner, who was set to go a few steps better than last week’s loss to his mate Blake Windred, had no answer for Canada’s Josh Whalen.
Wollongong’s Thomas Heaton looked like causing the biggest upset of the day, with a two-up lead over medallist Joey Savoie after nine holes, but he was unable to maintain the edge over his much more experienced opponent, eventually going down two up.
Other results saw James Conran stage a late fightback against Connor McKinney before going down on the last, while Royal Canberra’s Jordan Ayre went down after 21 holes to the Indonesian Emerald Ramadhanputra.
Matches continue this afternoon.
PLAY RESUMES AFTER LIGHTNING DELAY
Play has resumed at the NSW Amateur after a one hour lightning delay and some matches are producing some surprising results. Connor McKinney has a three hole lead over Orange product James Conran, while Canberra’s Jordan Ayre holds a one hole lead over the Indonesian Emarald Ramadhanputra.
The women’s matches get underway at 11.03 am.
The NSW Amateur has reached the match play rounds.
After being unable to be seperated after six holes last night, Thomas Heaton managed to overcome Tom Sloman after another three holes to grab the final spot in the men’s field.
Stay tuned for more throughout the day.
