Ian Davis survives playoff to reach match play at U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship
Ian Davis of Edmond survived a two-hole playoff with 10 players for the three final spots to move into the match play portion of the 44th U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship Monday in Scottsdale, Ariz.
Davis will play Patrick Dewey of Jupiter, Fla., who tied Cody Massa, of Cave Creek, Ariz., after each posted 5-under-par 137 in stroke play to share medalist honors. Massa followed a first-round 70 at Troon Country Club with a 4-under 67 at Troon North Golf Club on Sunday, while Dewey added an even-par 71 at Troon C.C. to his opening 66.
“Very helpful to know how far the ball goes,” said Massa. “That’s going to be really hard for a lot of players. Having yardages dialed in and knowing how far it goes is a huge help.
Massa, 39, is one of eight Arizona residents in the field and the older brother of 2024 finalist Bobby Massa. Dewey, 33, who made a hole-in-one in Saturday’s opening round, is competing in his first USGA championship after qualifying in July.
“It means everything,” said Dewey. “Golf is everything to me. I started late, started at like 14. I grew up playing soccer and was late to the game. I fell in love with it, it’s my passion. And to have my girlfriend (Samantha Forsyth) on the bag, it’s just awesome.”
Davis, former Oklahoma State golfer and Oklahoma Golf Association State Amateur champion in 2022, shot 72-74 in stroke play. He birdied the first playoff hole.
Three-time champion Stewart Hagestad, 2024 semifinalist Drew Kittleson, 2022 semifinalist Josh Persons and Ryan O’Rear finished one stroke back at 4-under 138. O’Rear rebounded from a slow start Saturday to play his final 30 holes in 8 under, including a Sunday 68 at Troon C.C.