- Golfweek photo
ALPHARETTA, Ga. (March 29, 2011) – United States Amateur Champion Peter Uihlein defeated British Amateur Champion Jin Jeong, 4 & 2, Tuesday to win the 14th Annual Georgia Cup Match at The Golf Club of Georgia.
Uihlein, 21, a junior at Oklahoma State and the world's No. 1 ranked amateur, closed out Jeong on the 16th hole of the Lakeside Course to give the U.S. Amateur Champions an 8-6 lead in the all-time series of the charity event, which benefits the Georgia State Golf Foundation and the Folds of Honor Foundation. Both players will compete next week at the Masters.
Uihlein took a 4-up lead at the turn on the cool and mostly overcast day, but the 21-year-old Jeong played stubbornly on the back nine, remaining alive with some clutch putting, including a 15-foot par putt at the 15th to extend the match. But it finally ended on the par-4 16th when Jeong, a Korean native who lives in Australia, missed a 12-footer for par and conceded Uihlein's short par putt.
Golf Club of Georgia member Matt Kuchar, the first Georgia Cup champion in 1998, served as Honorary Captain.
“Jin didn't play his best golf today and I was able to capitalize on some of his mistakes early on,” said Uihlein, who flew back to Oklahoma after the match and plans to arrive in Augusta this weekend. “It's always nice to get a win and get the competitive juices flowing. The Georgia Cup is a great event and I was really honored to be here. The support out there today was tremendous.”
Even when the match is officially over, the Georgia Cup participants traditionally play the remaining holes so fans can watch the Amateur Champions finish at the Lakeside Course's scenic 18th hole. Though it didn't count in the scoring Tuesday, on the 17th hole Jeong nearly holed for ace and then almost made a double eagle at the 18th.
“I'm glad it was over,” Peter said, smiling. “I don't think I would have won those last two holes.”
The Georgia Cup is co-presented by SunTrust and Atlanta Classic Cars/Mercedes-Benz. Other previous champions have included Sergio Garcia, Richie Ramsay, Danny Lee and Matteo Manassero.
- story courtesy Georgia Cup Tournament Committee
ABOUT THE
Georgia Cup
Established at The Golf Club of Georgia in 1998, The
Georgia Cup annually brings together the reigning
United States Amateur and British Amateur
Champion for an 18-hole match in advance of the
Masters.
Over the years, The Georgia Cup has grown from an
intimate Club event to a unique amateur
championship known on both sides of the Atlantic.
The event benefits the Yates Scholarships and the
Moncrief Turfgrass Scholarships of the GSGA
Foundation, as well as the Folds of Honor
Foundation.
The Georgia Cup presents a special opportunity for
galleries attending at The Golf Club of Georgia. In
the spirit and intimacy of the Walker Cup matches,
fans can walk with the players, unhindered by gallery
ropes, enjoying a unique perspective.
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