With seven spots needing to be filled to complete the Round of 64 match play bracket at the 75th U.S. Junior Amateur Championship, Griffin Law felt comfortable with the challenge that was in front of him Wednesday morning.
As one of 14 golfers with cumulative scores of 2-over during the two days of stroke competition, Law would be first off the No. 9 tee at the Daniel Island Club’s Beresford Creek course in Charleston, South Carolina. The 148-yard par 3 would be the first challenge in the sudden death playoff to trim the field headed into match play later in the morning.
Law, who will be entering his junior year at East Hamilton High School, was readily familiar with the task ahead. It was the final hole he had played on Tuesday, making a hard-earned par to keep his hopes alive.
With the pin tucked on the back for the playoff, Law missed the green to leave himself with a challenging uphill chip. He missed a seven-foot putt for par, resulting in a bogey and anxious moments watching the other competitors complete the hole.
Seven playoff participants managed to record a par, earning the final bids into match play and eliminating Law from the tournament.
“I was just trying to hit the middle of the green knowing that a par would probably qualify me,” Law said. “I hit a good shot but drew it too much, and if you miss long you have no chance. I was really nervous over that putt and tried to control my emotions, but I ended up missing it on the low side.”
Despite falling short of advancing into the match play portion of the tournament, Law is able to look back at the experience in a positive light as he was the top finisher from all Tennessee participants.
“I am definitely disappointed that I fell short this morning, but it was an incredible week,” said Law, who plays out of Council Fire Golf Club. “I can’t wait to try again next year.”
The 2024 tournament will be hosted by Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.