Dallas – Hamilton Coleman made a 15-foot birdie putt on hole 35, earning a 2-and-1 victory on Saturday with US junior amateur Vietnam’s Min Nu Ngwen.
The victory sends 17-year-old Coleman, who will open in Cinecock Hills next year from Augusta, Georgia.
Coleman, who is scheduled to play college golf in Georgia, was never kicked out in a 36-hole match at Trinity Forest. However, it shifted almost the distance due to Nguyen’s relentless play, who promised to play for Oregon.
Coleman climbed 12 holes in five holes in the morning with 18 holes, but only for Nguyen to win three of the next four holes. Coleman scored a 3 up lead in the afternoon and four holes in 11 holes when Nguyen revolved again.
“I knew I couldn’t win my own path. I had to hit high quality shots,” Coleman said. “It got a little tougher, but I never lost faith. I told the caddy that I was nervous but not scared. I was proud of it.”
Coleman was clung to one lead, playing on four holes. Nguyen had two birdies chances from 12 feet range, squared the match and lacked both times slightly. The Georgia teen closed him with a birdie on the 17th hole for 99 yards.
Runner-up means Nguyen will be exempt from the US amateur qualifying round at the Olympic Club next month.