Three locals golfers still alive at U.S. Amateur

CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE, Colo. — Bobby Wyatt finished at the top in qualifying at the U.S. Amateur championship at Cherry Hills, and his hope is he’s just getting started.

Wyatt shot a 2-under 68 Tuesday at CommonGround golf course for a two-day score of 9-under 132 heading into match play. The Alabama junior tied the 36-hole tournament record for stroke play, accomplished previously in 2011 by Gregor Main and in 1994 by Hank Kim.

Wyatt will face the lowest seed once the field of 64 golfers for the first round of match play is finalized early today by a playoff at the Cherry Hills golf course among 17 players competing for the last 14 spots.

Michael Weaver (Clovis West High/Cal) earned a spot in today’s playoff after a birdie on No. 18 at CommonGround gave him an even 70 for a two-day score of 143.

Bryson DeChambeau (Clovis East High/Southern Methodist) and Derek Ernst (Clovis East/UNLV) each shot 3 over Tuesday and advanced to match play. DeChambeau is tied for 19th at 140 after a 73 at CommonGround; Ernst is tied for 25th at 141 after a 74 at Cherry Hills.

Gary Nicklaus, the 43-year-old son of Jack Nicklaus and one of the oldest competitors in the amateur, shot a 74 at Cherry Hills for a two-day score of 4-over 145, leaving him out of match play in a tie for 82nd.