Date: July 18, 2008
Author:

Matt Griffin blog: Devilish pins and local alligators

Matthew Griffin writes: Following a good week at the Rice Planters we have moved two hours south to Belfair near Hilton Head Island. The complex has two magnificent courses boarded by amazing houses which are out of this world. The Players Amateur offers an exemption into the Verizon Heritage Classic- a PGA Tour event, so it is a prized event. A very strong field assembled and low scoring was expected. Day 1 saw a good start with Josh Younger and myself shooting 65 to be tied for the lead. Pins were extremely tough making scoring difficult. On Day 2 the pins became unreal and unfair. The beginning of the round had to be cancelled and restarted after two pins were moved with players 6 and 8 putting. Even so there were a number of tough pins. Matt Jager was one of three to tie the lead at 7-under. Matt had a great third round to move to 13 under and a one shot lead while Josh was two back. Round 4 saw some incredible scoring with low numbers everywhere. I finished with a 65 to finish on 14 under and tied 3rd with Josh while Matt Jager fired a 66 to be 17 under in 2nd while the winner Mark Anderson had 60 to finish 22 under. It was an amazing final round with some great golf played. In general we have had a great week here with 4 in the top ten it was a good week for the Aussies. We have been looked after incredibly well with amazing meals at the club, brilliant practice facilities and wonderful host families. We have also enjoyed watching gators (alligators) around the course while tonight we have had an Aussie night with all our hosts. From here most of the guys head to the Southern Amateur whilst Josh Younger and I look forward to a week off.