A steely Ella Scaysbrook has survived a nail-biting sudden death 15 for 6 playoff, then delivered a matchplay masterclass, dismantling co-medallist and last year’s runner-up, Asterix Talley, with a commanding 6/4 victory to advance to the round of 32 in the US Women’s Amateur championship at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort in Oregon.
After progressing to the matchplay courtesy of a birdie on the third playoff hole in the morning, the Australian GC member showed her class in the round of 64 knockout phase, jumping out to a two-up lead through the opening three holes against the highly credentialled Talley.
After maintaining the lead through the front nine, the match was decided in devastating fashion when Scaysbrook produced a birdie blitz that left Talley with no answer. Three birdies in four holes – including red numbers on the 11th, 12th, and 14th – extended her lead from three up to an unassailable six up, effectively ending the contest.
“Hole 11 I made a 10 footer then the 12th par 3 holed a 15 footer,” Scaysbrook explained.
The decisive moment came, however, at the 14th, where the changing wind conditions meant it was time for the Newcastle based tyro to go for broke.
“It was playing differently from the other days; it was downwind instead of into. Duane (Smith – her caddy) and I were working out what to hit because the other days I just pulled driver because I couldn’t reach the trouble, but today everything was in play,” Scaysbrook explained.
Initially planning to lay up left, she was swayed by Smith’s sage advice.
“I said that I was gonna lay up to the left but still a chance I could hit into the bunker. Duane said he thought I could get there and take all the bunkers out of play, so I pulled driver and hit the green, then two-putted for the win.”
“I’m just happy. Proud of myself. It’s pretty big. Yeah, it was very good. Good match,” Scaysbrook said after defeating the highly-ranked Californian. “There was a little bit of an underdog mentality.”
Talley, to her credit, showed flashes of brilliance but couldn’t cope with the pressure applied by Scaysbrook. The 2024 Finalist didn’t manage to win a hole in the lop-sided affair.
The victory continues what has been an impressive maiden North American campaign for Scaysbrook, who has been travelling and competing in the northern hemisphere for just over two months now.
“I started at the North & South, and I made the matchplay (Sweet 16) at the Women’s Western (Amateur).”
I’ve been staying with Sarah Jane and Duane Smith. She’s on the LPGA. So they’ve got a house in Orlando.”
Scaysbrook said she hopes to turn professional next year with the goal hopefully of breaking onto the LPGA.
“Plan is turn pro next year, probably come over here to the LPGA Q-School.”
Scaysbrook’s win continues what has been an impressive campaign for the NSW contingent in major amateur championships in North America this season, with Avondale’s Declan O’Donovan (Canadian Amateur) and Blake Phillips ( Porter Cup) bringing home silverware for their efforts.
With the momentum firmly behind her, Scaysbrook will be confident heading into the next round as she chases what would be a breakthrough victory on American soil. The commanding nature of her win sends a clear message: the quietly spoken Scaysbrook is ready to make serious noise.
Related LINKS: US Women’s Amateur Matchplay Scores
