The University of Mississippi Athletics
Morris Continues Run At U.S. Amateur
8/14/2013 | Men's Golf
Aug 14, 2013
BROOKLINE, Mass. - Ole Miss sophomore Blake Morris defeated Cory McElyea 4-and-3 in the opening round of match play the 113th U.S. Amateur Championships on Wednesday to advance to round of 32 tomorrow.
The Waterbury, Conn., native fell behind one hole after a bogey on the par-4 eighth, but quickly rebounded to square the match with a birdie at the par-4 ninth. Morris then reeled off two birdies and three pars to start the back nine to go up four with four holes remaining. Both players pared the par-4 15th and Morris retired McElyea 4-and-3.
Morris will face Matt Fitzpatrick, of England, in tomorrow's round of 32. Fitzpatrick captured the Silver Medal, as the low amateur, at the Open Championship at Muirfield in July. Match play continues through Sunday and culminates in a 32-hole championship match on Aug. 18.
This is the second-straight year Morris has qualified for the nation's top amateur tournament. He just missed the cut last year after carding back-to-back rounds of 72 at the Cherry Hills Village Country Club near Denver, Colo.
Sponsored by the U.S. Golf Association, the 113th U.S. Amateur teed off on Monday at the Brookline Country Club in Brookline, Mass. The 7,310 yard, par-70 course has hosted numerous prestigious events over the years including the 1999 Ryder Cup and 1913 U.S. Open.
