Wins handily in rounds of 32, 16
Nick Dunlap’s quest for another USGA championship continued Thursday with a pair of wins at the U.S. Men’s Amateur Championship at Cherry Hills Country Club in Denver.
Dunlap, of Huntsville, easily advanced to the quarterfinals later Thursday afternoon when he disposed of Bowen Mauss 5&3. Next up is incoming Auburn freshman Jackson Koivun, who beat Matthew Sutherland in 19 holes.
Two other Auburn players reached the Round of 16. Seniors Carson Bacha and J.M. Butler each won their Round of 32 match. Bacha took down Ryggs Johnston 1-up, while Butler beat Vanderbilt’s William Moll 3&2.
Jose Islas of Mexico ended Bacha’s run with a 3&2 victory, while J.M Butler’s match with Paul Chang was delayed due to darkness. It was tied after 18 holes.
Dunlap, who at 41 is the fifth highest seed remaining, will play Koivun (31) in the quarterfinals.
On Wednesday, Dunlap ousted fellow Alabamian Gordon Sargent 2&1. He has one other USGA title, winning the 2021 US Junior Amateur title. He is a rising sophomore at the University of Alabama and plays out of Canebrake Golf Club when he is home.
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Featured image of Nick Dunlap and caddie Jeff Curl after Dunlap defeats Bowen Mauss (left) courtesy of Chris Keane/USGA
