Projo Sports Blog

A college guy will win the 103rd R.I. Golf Association Amateur Championship.

That was assured today when collegians swept all four quarterfinal matches at Agawam Hunt. Brad Valois, the two-time defending champion, David McAndrew, the medalist, Metacomet's Garrett Medeiros and Matt Broome of Rhode Island Country Club are the semifinalists.

All advanced by beating older players, although not without being tested. Valois, bidding to become the first player since Bobby Allen in 1958-60 to win three years in a row, survived a major challenge from Steve Royer, 1 up. Valois parred the 18th hole to win after Royer had bunkered his approach and bogeyed. Valois never trailed, but Royer pulled even twice, the second time when he won the 17th.

Valois, a URI star, is meeting Medeiros in the semis. Medeiros had an equally difficult test before getting past Ben Tuthill, the 2000 champion, 1 up.

``That was one of the best matches I've ever played, just because of the quality of play,'' Medeiros said. Medeiros had a 32 on the front side, with a bogey. Tutuhill was 33. Medeiros finished with seven birdies, Tuthill five.

Medeiros, who plays for Wofford, was 3-up with four to go. Medeiros drove into the trees and lost the 15th. Tuthill won both the 16th and 17th with birdies to tie it. On 18, Tuthill drove down the middle, Medeiros behind a tree. Tuthill hit his approach on the green. Medeiros had about 120 yards left and was far enough behind a tree that he had room to get a wedge up and over it. He drilled it within three feet and made the 12th bird of the match to win, 1 up.

The other semi pits two close friends. McAndrew and Broome both grew up and live in Barrington. They learned the game at Rhode Island Country Club's excellent junior program and they play together virtually every day when they are home.

McAndrew, the top player at Stetson this year, had to come from behind to beat Darren Corrente, 2 and 1, in the quarters. Corrente led by two holes early on. McAndrew pulled even through 12, won both 13 and 14, then halved every hole the rest of the way.

Broome, who plays for Furman, won three of the first four holes against Jason Hull and never lost control as he won, 5 and 4.

 Tags  Brad Valois David McAndrew Garrett Medeiros Golf Matt Broome RIGA

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