Could a round-of-32 defeat Thursday at the 111th U.S. Amateur be the final appearance of Andrew Putnam’s accomplished amateur golf career?
Putnam, a three-time Class 1A state boys champion from Life Christian, and three-time All-American at Pepperdine, was eliminated by Texan Kelly Kraft, 3 and 2, in the afternoon at Erin Hills Golf Club in Erin, Wis.
Earlier in the day, the University Place golfer finished up a rain-postponed first-round match with a 6-and-5 triumph over Jaun Salcedo, also of Texas. Putnam was the No. 18 seed in the championship.
Against Kraft, he quickly went 2-up but lost the fourth hole on a “course management” blunder, and made bogey. Then, he had a pair of three-putt bogeys at the fifth and sixth holes, and suddenly he trailed – for good.
“He played pretty good,” Putnam said of Kraft. “He did not give me any opportunities.”
After the exit, Putnam admitted he is not holding out much hope of making the U.S. Walker Cup team.
“I don’t think I will make it,” Putnam said.
If that is the case, then it is on to the professional ranks. Putnam will announce next week what his first tournament will be.
UW golfer Chris Williams also was eliminated in the afternoon round of 32, losing to Max Buckley, 1-up.
Meanwhile, Bobby Leopold made the biggest splash Thursday. He knocked off No. 1 seed Gregor Main, 2 and 1, then played his way into the third round by beating recent Nationwide Tour winner Harris English, 4 and 3.
Defending champion Peter Uihlein also advanced, beating Dylan Frittelli, 5 and 4, and UCLA standout Patrick Cantlay moved on by winning a playoff with Russell Henley.
ELSEWHERE
Harrison Frazar led an onslaught of birdies at The Barclays on rain-softened Plainfield Country Club in Edison, N.J., shooting a 7-under 64 to lead Vijay Singh by one shot. … Ai Miyazato and Pernilla Lindberg shot 7-under 65s in wet conditions to share the lead in the Canadian Women’s Open in Mirabel, Quebec.
Tracking locals on the pGA Tour
This Week: The Barclays – the first leg of the FedEx Cup playoffs – through Sunday, Plainfield Country Club, Edison, N.J.
in the field: Puyallup’s Ryan Moore and Gig Harbor’s Kyle Stanley.
Moore’s First-round score: 4-under-par 67.
Stanley’s First-round score: 3-under 68.
Poisition: Moore is tied for seventh, and Stanley is tied for 17th – all trailing leader Harrison Frazar (64).
Recap: Before rain interrupted play, the locals were stuck in neutral – at even par. When play resumed, Moore and Stanley both made final-nine birdies to crack the top 20. In fact, Moore, of Cascade Christian, birdied his final four holes – the last coming on the drivable par-4 18th where he hit his 30-yard approach close, and converted a 2-foot putt. It was his best round at The Barclays. … Stanley, from Bellarmine Prep, had a birdie-making string nearly as impressive – three in four holes (Nos. 5, 7, 8). The highlight was a near-holeout with a 9-iron from 165 yards for eagle on No. 7, leaving him with a tap-in from 19 inches.
Tee times today: Stanley (first tee) and Moore (10th tee) at 9:33 a.m. (PDT).
Todd Milles, staff writer
JOIN THE DISCUSSION | Register here
We welcome comments. Please keep them civil, short and to the point. ALL CAPS, spam, obscene, profane, abusive and off topic comments will be deleted. Repeat offenders will be blocked. Thanks for taking part — and abiding by these simple rules. A thorough explanation of rules of conduct can be found in our Terms of Service. If you have any questions, including why your comment may not be showing immediately after you submit it, be sure to visit the commenting FAQ.