Around the Green

BRYAN—Two major upsets highlighted Friday’s Round of 16 at the State Mid-Amateur Championship. Thirteenth-seeded Mike Peck knocked off fourth-seeded Chris Casey, 3 and 1, at Traditions Club. Stroke play medalist and No. 1 seed Colby Harwell fell in 23 holes to No. 16 seeded Kris Devlin.

    

Devlin, from Weatherford, and Irving’s Peck moved on to Saturday morning’s Quarterfinal Round.  Devlin faces 2013 South Amateur Champion Tony Soerries from Montgomery. Soerries got by San Angelo’s Beau Davis, 1 up, in the Round of 32.

    

Peck will play 2011 North Player of the Year Aaron Hickman, who beat Ron Kilby from McAllen in the round of 16. “It will be a tough one for me tomorrow,” Peck said.

     

No. 2 seed Nathaniel James played at the top of his game and defeated Luke Loggins, 8 and 7. Jess Bonneau of Houston won 3 and 2 against Sean Skellenger. James and Bonneau will play against each another in the Quarterfinals.

     

After a morning  Round of 32 matches, the day ended when Lubbock’s Michael Pruitt holed out a 25-foot bunker shot on the 18th hole to beat Houston’s Bob Kearny, 1 up, in the Round of 16. Pruitt advanced to the Quarterfinals, where he’ll face Randy Lance from The Woodlands.

     

“Well, that’s one way to do it,†Pruitt exclaimed as he walked into the scoring tent.

    

Play continues at 7:30 a.m. Saturday at the lush and challenging Traditions Club. For complete scoring, including Friday morning’s Round of 32 matches, please click here.