MATCH PLAY COMMENCES AT 100TH OREGON AMATEUR

Bandon, Ore. (June 24, 2009) - With nearly non-existent winds, players no longer had to contend with the elements, only their match at hand in the first round of single elimination match play at the 100th Oregon Amateur Championship at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort. The Oregon Amateur, considered the "major" amateur golf in the region, is also one of the oldest and most prestigious sporting competitions in the state featuring of the best amateur golfers in the region. To be eligible, a player must be an amateur golfer with a USGA Handicap Index of 3.4 or less. In the Women's round of 32, there were few surprises. Mostly current or soon-to-be collegiate players dominated the day including medalist Kendra Little (University of Oregon) who won her match 4 & 2 over Athena Douglas of Salem, Ore. Defending champion Kate Hildahl (University of Oregon) also advanced winning her match 3 & 2 and will next face fellow teammate Erica Omlid who won her match against former LPGA Tour player Debbie Hall Friede 2up. Other collegiate players advancing included Amanda Jacob (University of Idaho), Breanne Smith (Indiana State), Amy Beth Simanton (U.C. Davis), Caitlyn McCleary (Seattle University), Jordan Allyne (University of North Carolina), and Taylor Babcock (Barry University). Past champions Kristen Svicarovich (2007) and Charisse Spada (1982, '99) also advanced. The oldest player still in either the Men's or Women's competition is Sandy Woodruff, 60, of Santa Cruz, Calif., the 2006 California Women's State Champion. In the Men's first round matches, the contingent with University of Portland ties faired well as medalist Kevin Beavers easily won his match 6 & 5. "This is like my British Open," noted Beavers who added "I didn't come here to finish second." Also advancing was coach Bill Winter, Jake Wagner, Nick Chianello and Justin Smithhisler while Sam Kloenne lost his match to former Oregon Duck Chris Polski 3 & 2, and Cory Schmidt fell to 1997 Oregon Amateur Champion Scott Hval. The University of Oregon golf team also faired well with Isaiah Telles, Andrew Vijarro and Robbie Ziegler all advancing. Thursday matches begin at 8am with the Men's Round of 32, followed by the Women's Round of 16 at 10:16am. The men who win their morning matches tee off in a second afternoon match beginning at 3pm. While many state Championships have become stroke play competitions, the Oregon Amateur, remains true to its roots playing the same traditional match play format that's used to this day to determine the best amateur champions even at the national level. It's also one of the few men's and women's amateurs held concurrently, always played at the same time at the same site. Started in 1904, this year's event will be its 100th occurrence. The only years it was not held was during World Wars I and II.