Max Kennedy is carrying Irish hopes into the last 32 of The 129th Amateur Championship at Ballyliffin Golf Club in Ireland. Kennedy emerged as the last Irishman standing after defeating France’s Oscar Couilleau in the opening match play round with a score of 3&2. Out of 28 host nation players, only Kennedy and Sean Keeling made it past the 36-hole stroke play qualifying rounds. Keeling was eliminated in the first round by Lev Grinberg, the first Ukrainian golfer to reach the match play rounds.
Kennedy, a 22-year-old Dubliner, is aiming to replicate the success of his compatriot James Sugrue, who won the title in the last Amateur Championship held in Ireland in 2019. Kennedy’s strong short game helped him gain a two-hole advantage in the early part of the match. He clinched crucial up-and-downs from bunkers at the 9th and 10th holes to keep Couilleau at bay. He is set to face England’s Charlie Forster in the next round, who defeated Spain’s Jose Luis Ballester Barrio in a playoff.
One of the top qualifiers, Scotsman Connor Graham, narrowly defeated England’s Mark Stockdale in the opening match with a birdie putt on the 18th hole. South African golfer Jordan Burnand also secured a victory, beating Spain’s Pablo Alperi Lopez by a 3&1 margin. Burnand, aiming to continue South Africa’s winning streak in the competition, will be celebrating his birthday on the eve of the final.
Walker Cup player Conor Gough, the 2018 R&A Boys’ Amateur Championship winner, demonstrated his match play skills with a 3&1 victory over Denmark’s Jamie Tofte Nielsen. Englishman Oscar Lent also had a commanding win over Australia’s Jasper Stubbs. Other Walker Cup players including Calum Scott, James Ashfield, and Jack Bigham also advanced to the next round of the championship.
Fans can watch highlights from the previous day’s play and the final two days of the competition live on R&A TV. Updates on match play scoring can also be viewed on The Amateur Championship’s official website. With competition heating up in the last 32, players from various countries are showcasing their talents and determination to reach the final rounds of the prestigious championship.
Kennedy, Graham, and Burnand are among the standout performers from the host nation and international players, hoping to make their mark in The Amateur Championship. As the competition progresses, each match presents new challenges and opportunities for players to showcase their skills and advance towards the ultimate goal of winning the championship title. With exciting matchups and intense competition, golf fans can look forward to witnessing thrilling moments and exceptional performances in the upcoming rounds of the tournament.
