Despite falling an agonising shot shy of a playoff spot in sectional qualifying for next Month’s US Open at Walton Heath overnight, Avondale Golf Club’s Harrison Endycott remains upbeat about his performance.
“It hurt a bit,” he said. “But I felt like I could win.”
“I’m happy with the way I played. I feel my game is ready to compete against these guys.”
Endycott was right in the mix for a place at Erin Hills after posting a tidy 5-under par 67 in the morning round, and when he began his second round with three birdies in his first six holes, Endycott was on the cusp of something truly special; qualifying for his first major.
Back-to-back bogeys on the 9th and 10th holes dampened his progress however, and despite making birdies on the 12th and 16th, a vital third on one of the final two holes proved To be too much for the 21-year-old.
“I knew where I stood over the last few holes, but it didn't faze me. I knew I still had a process, and whatever it was, it was.”
After being the medalist as low amateur at the same event last year, Endycott feels his game has improved significantly.
“Within a year, I’ve improved heaps. Mentally I know I can compete with these guys, I know there’s still a lot of work to do, but I feel I belong.” Endycott said.
The day wasn’t meant to be for St. Michael’s debutant Travis Smyth who still managed to finished with a respectable 3-under par total.
“It wasn't meant to be out there today,” Smyth said. “I played some awesome golf, but unfortunately I didn't putt how I would’ve liked, and a few things went the other way.”
“I’m not too fussed. I'm playing great golf, and now I will play in another three amateur events over the next four weeks.”
“They’re all prestigious tournaments and would happily have my name on any of the trophies,” Smyth said.
The pair will now head off to the Scottish Strokeplay Championship followed by the St. Andrews Links Trophy and Finally, the British Amateur Championship.