Stefano Mazzoli
(Golfweek Photo)
TROON, Scotland (July 15, 2016) -- It was a difficult year for the amateurs with neither Scott Gregory or Stefano Mazzoli making the British Open cut.
Playing in the afternoon wave on a cold, winder and wet day at Royal Troon, Englishman Scott Gregory posted a 2-over 73 and finished 36-holes at 9-over. Like Thursday, Gregory played very well on the front nine, shooting a 2-under 34. Gregory started the day slowly with an opening hole bogey before rebounding with three consecutive birdies on holes 4-6. For the week Gregory was 5-under on the front nine.
The back nine however was another story. After shooting a 43 in round one, Gregory faltered again on the homeward nine with a 4-over 39. Gregory was 9-over on the back nine this week.
The Italian Stefano Mazzoli was part of the second round morning wave on Friday and he finished his first career British Open 12-over-par. Also, playing in difficult conditions Mazzoli shot a 7-over 78, one day after shooting a 5-over 76.
Mazzoli wavered on the front side shooting an 8-over 43 but he was able to finish strongly with a closing nine even-par 35. The back nine included birdies on Nos. 11, 14 and 16.
ROUND ONE RECAP
As part of the afternoon wave Italian Stefano Mazzoli shot a 5-over 76. The Italian was 1-under-par as he made the turn before faltering a bit on the homeward nine with a 6-over 41.
Mazzoli tallied three birdies on his day with the birds coming on Nos. 4, 8 and 15.
Mazzoli will continue his play in the 145th Open Championship at 7:09 a.m. BST on Friday.
Playing in the morning wave Scott Gregory, the 21-year-old Englishman, began his 2016 British Open with a 7-over 78.
Gregory came out of the gates on fire as he played a bogey-free, three birdie front nine to turn in 3-under 33. However, the back nine was a different story for last months English Amateur champion. Gregory did reach 4-under with birdie on No. 10 before things began to quickly unravel.
The struggles began with a triple-bogey on No. 11 and continued for the remainder of the day as Gregory closed in 10-over 45.
Gregory will return to the course for a second round 12:09 p.m. BST starting time on Friday.
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ABOUT THE British Open
The most coveted trophy in the game and one
of the most iconic in all of sport: more
commonly referred to as the Claret Jug.
Within
minutes of winning the British Open, the
"Champion Golfer of the Year" gets his name
engraved on that cup, and a place in golfing
history.
Amateurs have played an
important role in the tournament over the
years, with players like Sergio Garcia, Justin
Rose, and more recently Alfie Plant stepping
into the international limelight with their
golfing
performances.
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