Kailua golfer loses in semi-finals of U.S. Junior Amateur
TRUCKEE, Calif. >> Scottie Scheffler beat Kailua resident P.J. Samiere 3 and 2 in the quarterfinals and won again in the semifinals to advance to the 36-hole final in the U.S. Junior Amateur.
Davis Riley also won quarterfinal and semifinal matches Friday at Martis Camp Club to advance to the final.
The 17-year-old Scheffler, from Dallas, won three matches today, finishing off Justin Suh of San Jose, Calif., in 19 holes in the suspended third round, before beating Samiere and Doug Ghim of Arlington Heights, Ill., 6 and 4 in the semifinals.
“I haven’t been putting good,” Scheffler said. “Even in the first round (of match play) I didn’t putt well. I just cashed in on my opportunities. I may get some sleep tonight (to prepare for the championship). I’ve got a pretty comfy bed and I am staying in a nice house.”
The 16-year-old Riley, from Hattiesburg, Miss., topped Dou Zecheng of China 4 and 2 in the quarterfinals, and beat John Augenstein of Owensboro, Ky., 4 and 3, in the semifinals.
“I’ve been playing some really consistent golf,” Riley said. “I’m hitting fairways and greens, making a few putts here and there, and letting the opponent make the mistake. So far that strategy has been working and, hopefully, I can take this play into tomorrow.”
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