BEVO BEAT Golf
Cole Hammer advances to semifinals of U.S. Amateur Championship
Posted August 17th, 2018
Texas freshman Cole Hammer continued his run at the U.S. Amateur Championship, winning Friday to advance to the semifinals in Pebble Beach, Calif.
Hammer defeated Alex Fitzpatrick 3 and 2 and will face Viktor Hovland of Norway at 10:20 a.m. Saturday. Coverage of the competition will begin at 11 a.m. on Fox.
Hammer led 2 up through seven holes before Fitzpatrick cut the lead. The incoming freshman answered with a birdie on the ninth hole to get back to 2 up.
Fitzpatrick made a bogey on No. 12, which allowed Hammer to take another hole as he made par.
After Fitzpatrick won the 15th hole, a birdie on the 16th by Hammer sealed the win. Hammer was in a tough spot off the tee, but recovered with a great second shot to eventually birdie the hole.
This is how you close. @cole_hammer6765 recovers from trouble off the tee to clinch a spot in the #USAmateur semifinals!https://t.co/5WYxEl2G2t pic.twitter.com/NtgOLZNZHM
— USGA (@USGA) August 18, 2018
The highlight of Hammer’s round came on No. 9 when he chipped in to make birdie and go 2 up.
Who needs a putter anyway?! #USAmateur pic.twitter.com/EITTQ05VTJ
— USGA (@USGA) August 17, 2018
Hammer took two wins Thursday to qualify for the quarterfinals. Now he has a shot to make the final with a win Saturday.
Doug Ghim made the final in 2017 to represent the Longhorns but fell in 37 holes to eventual champion Doc Redman of Raleigh, N.C.
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