BREAKING: Chatfield Completes Stunning Comeback, Advances to U.S. Amateur Quarterfinal
Rhode Island’s Davis Chatfield rallied from three down with six to play to beat Devon Bling and advance to the quarterfinals of the U.S. Amateur at Oakmont Country Club.
Chatfield was three-down after 12, before winning four holes in a row to take a one up lead on 17. He would eventually win it on 18 after Bling missed a par putt to tie the hole.
“It’s a tough course, most of the time par is going to be a good score. I knew that, I kept telling myself that on the back nine and luckily I was able to capitalize when he made a mistake. It was bound to happen eventually, I made mistakes early and he capitalized then, but you just gotta stick to your game plan, stick to your routine and keep the basics all set,” Chatfield told Golf Channel immediately after the match.
Chatfield will ow face Nick Gabrelcik in the quarters on Friday afternoon.
The match is expected to start just before 3 p.m.
Chatfield Rallies
Chatfield was two down in the match after the first three holes and remained two down at the turn.
He fell to three down for the first time on the tenth hole and then again on 12.
But, that is where the rally started.
Chatfield won the 13th hole with a par, the 14th hole with a par and the 15th hole with a par after sticking it close.
He then took his first lead of the matching the 16th hole – 1-up.
On 17, Chatfield put his tee shot in the rough and then flew the green on his second shot into a bunker.
Bling’s drive was on the side of the green with an uphill chip. Bling would win the hole with a par as Chatfield’s attempt at an amazing up-and-down came up short.
On the 18th hole, Chatfield’s drive was well behind Bling so he got to hit first.
The Notre Dame star’s approach landed on the green, but was well short of the cup.
Bling’s approach was well left of the cup, but on the green.
Chatfield putted first and left it just short, but within, gimme range so he was in for par.
Bling left his birdie putt several feet short, and then missed the par putt giving Chatfield the win.