Around the Green

Sulzer Prevails to Mid-Amateur Match Play Quarterfinals at Vaquero

Sulzer Prevails to Texas Mid-Amateur Match Play Quarterfinals

Westlake, Texas – Rick Sulzer won his first match handily and grinded through his Round of 16 opponent to reach the Quarterfinals. Second Overall Seed and defending champion, Colby Harwell lost on the last hole to open the door for a new champion.

The Mid-Amateur Match Play started the day with a Round of 32. Rick Sulzer of Carrollton continued after a strong showing in the Stroke Play Qualifying Round. Sulzer won the first match out of the day at 6 & 5 over The Woodlands’ John Hunter. The second overall seed, and last year’s Mid-Amateur Match Play Champion, Colby Harwell of San Antonio, also finished an impressive round against Will Osborne, the 2017 North Player of the Year, with a 5 & 4 result. Gant Bills of Plano also won his match 5 & 4. Jake Istnick and Josh Irving, both of Dallas, won their matches 4 & 3. Scott Abbott of Dallas, Bill Steen of Frisco, Michael Samp of Irving, and Aaron Hickman of Tyler won their matches 3 & 2. Anthony Estorga of Dallas, Ed Sanchez of San Antonio, Jerry Achilles of Round Rock and John Derrick of Waco, all finished their matches wining 2 & 1. Kip Estep of Rockwall won his match 1 up through all 18 holes. Chris Headen of Fort Worth won due to concession from his opponent. Finally, John Bearrie of Arlington won his match in 19 holes.

The Round of 16 began in the afternoon wave. Rick Sulzer faced off against John Derrick and ended up winning on the last hole 1 Up. The upset of the day was when defending Champion Colby Harwell lost to Gant Bills 1 up. Scott Abbott, last year’s Mid-Amateur Match Play Runner-Up, won his second match of the day 5 & 4 to advance to the Quarterfinals. Michael Samp (1 Up), Anthony Estorga (3 & 2), Kip Estep (2 & 1), and Jake Istnick (4 & 3), all won their matches and advance to the Quarterfinals as well. Aaron Hickman defeated Josh Irving by a 1 up total. Hickman finished the day at four-under-par with a conceded birdie on the last.

(Match Play Bracket)

The Mid-Amateur Match Play Quarterfinal Round begins at 8:00 AM tomorrow. The Semifinal Round will begin shortly after the Quarterfinal Round matches have been completed.

Opened in 2001, the award-winning course at Vaquero Club was designed by Tom Fazio. The scenic layout tumbles across gently rolling terrain and meanders in and around natural water features and groves of cedar and oak trees. With narrow fairways and cavernous bunkers guarding large, undulating green complexes, Vaquero Club will provide a comprehensive test of golf for the state’s finest mid-amateur players. For more information, click here.