Hertfordshire’s Jack Bigham is on track to add another prestigious R&A title to his collection as he advances to the quarter-finals of The 129th Amateur Championship at Ballyliffin. The 20-year-old, who won the R&A Boys’ Amateur Championship in 2021, secured two impressive match play victories to stay in contention for a notable double. Bigham rallied from being three-down at the turn in his second-round match to win 3&1 against South Africa’s Jordan Burnand. He then dominated his third-round duel with Ukraine’s Lev Grinberg, winning 5&4 after taking a commanding lead early on.
Another British contender, Dominic Clemons, also has his sights set on a title after a convincing 4&3 win over Welsh Walker Cup player James Ashfield. Clemons, known for his success in US college golf, made a strong statement with a 17-shot victory at the Scottish Open Amateur Stroke Play Championship. In a closely contested match, Clemons showcased his skills with a remarkable 40-foot birdie putt to secure a four-up lead over Ashfield.
Luke Sample is the only American player remaining in the competition after a strong debut in The Amateur Championship. The New Yorker secured a spot in the quarter-finals with a 5&3 victory over Harry Crockett, following a notable 3&2 win against Walker Cup player Conor Gough in the second round. Unfortunately, Tommy Morrison of the USA fell short against England’s Matthew Dodd-Berry, who clinched a one-hole victory with his 15-year-old brother as his caddie.
Germany’s Laurenz Schiergen made a significant impact by defeating top qualifier Connor Graham and securing a quarter-final spot for the second time in three years. Schiergen faced a tough challenge against Charlie Forster, with the match ultimately decided on the first extra hole after a late surge from Forster. The German player aims to become only the second from his country to reach the final after Christian Reimbold in 2000.
Walker Cup player Calum Scott continued his impressive form to keep Scotland’s hopes alive for a first victory since 2014. In a closely contested match against Dylan Shaw-Radford, Scott’s late birdies on holes 14 and 15 led to a 3&2 victory. Spain’s Marcel Fonseca and Denmark’s Jacob Skov Olesen also secured quarter-final berths with hard-fought wins, setting up an intriguing final draw.
The field is narrowing as the competition intensifies in The Amateur Championship, with exciting match play action unfolding at Ballyliffin. Players from various countries are showcasing their skills and determination as they vie for the prestigious title. Follow along for live scoring updates and stay tuned for the thrilling conclusion of this year’s championship. With talented golfers like Bigham, Clemons, Sample, and others in the mix, the quarter-finals promise to deliver exciting matchups and unforgettable moments on the course.
