Bob Royak
(USGA Photo)
JOHNS CREEK, GA (October 7, 2016) -- The day began with 32 players in the morning and ended with eight remaining who move on to the quarterfinals at the the 98th edition of the Atlanta Amateur Match Play Championship being played at Rivermont Golf Club, October 6-9.
The eight individuals moving on to the quarterfinals competed on Friday through some light rain. These competitors are Chris Waters of Atlanta, Matthew Hayes of Marietta, David Noll Jr. of Dalton, Kane Whitehurst of Duluth, Bob Royak of Alpharetta, Corey Chrzanowski of Suwanee, Stan Gann Jr. of Bonaire and David Noto of Clarkesville.
Defending champion Chris Waters defeated Byron Lay of Alpharetta in the round of 32 (1 up) and Jonathan Klotz of Atlanta in the round of 16 (1 up). Waters will face Matthew Hayes in the quarterfinals, who beat William Mitchell of Roswell (2 and 1) and Rob VanGorder Jr. (3 and 2).
David Noll Jr. will take on Kane Whitehurt in the second quarterfinals match. Noll won both of his matches on Friday over Greg Hamilton of Atlanta (4 and 3) and Bill Faith of Atlanta (3 and 2). Whitehurst beat Brad Hondros of Atlanta (2 and 1) as well as Jeff Belk of Marietta (4 and 3).
The third quarterfinal match will feature Bob Royak of Alpharetta and Corey Chrzanowski of Suwanee. Royak beat Ben Wolfe of Brookhaven (3 and 2) in the round of 32 and then Mitch Kim of Cumming in the round of 16 (1 up). Chrzanowski got by Don Marsh of Alpharetta in his first match (2 up) and Kyle Stiles of Athens in his second match (3 and 1).
The final quarterfinal contest of the day includes Stan Gann Jr. of Bonaire and David Noto of Clarkesville. Gann advanced with wins over Miles Lathem of Canton (5 and 4) and Brock Healy of Peachtree Corners (5 and 3). His opponent, Noto, defeated Jason Coolik of Atlanta in the round of 32 (1 up) and Mark Nickerson of Roswell in the round of 16 (4 and 3).
Match Play will continue at Rivermont on Saturday morning with the quarterfinal matches beginning at 8:15 a.m. and the semifinals will be held in the afternoon.
STROKE PLAY QUALIFYING RESULTS
After a day of stroke play qualifying, the bracket has been determined for the Atlanta Amateur Match Play Championship. The 98th edition of this competition is taking place at Rivermont Golf Club.
The defending champion, Chris Waters of Atlanta, was exempt through stroke play qualifying and is the top-seed. Bob Royak of Alpharetta posted the only score in red numbers of the day at 1-under-par 69, and has earned the two-seed. Stan Gann, Jr., of Bonaire finished at even-par 70, while all other ocmpetitors finished over par.
Waters will face Byron Lay of Alpharetta in the round of 32 Friday at 9:00 a.m.
Once 18 holes were played, nine individuals were in at 7-over-par 77, so a playoff was needed to determine the final spot in match play. Thomas Whitley of Hoschton, Davis Smith of Duluth, Byron Lay of Alpharetta, Jerry Arehart of Alpharetta, Robert Balaban of Marietta, Larry Harris of Lilburn, Dalton Melnyk of Atlanta, Barry Reading of Newnan and Ray Greco III of Social Circle were divided into two groups and returned to the number one tee. Greco was not present at the start of the playoff.
Once the eight competitors played the first extra hole (#1), Lay was the only player to make birdie, so he secured the final spot in match play.
View results for Atlanta Match Play
ABOUT THE
Atlanta Match Play
Entries: Open to male amateur golfers
Field: 120 players with the lowest USGA
Handicap
Indexes
Format: Match play preceded by 18-hole stroke
play qualifying. Low 31 and defending champion
advance to match play.
View Complete Tournament Information