Davis Riley Falls in Second Round of Match Play at 2016 U.S. Amateur
8/18/2016 8:39:00 PM | Men's Golf
Despite early lead, Riley falls 4&2 to Curtis Luck
BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich. – Alabama rising sophomore Davis Riley fell to Australian Curtis Luck 4&2 Thursday in the match play round of 32 at the 116th U.S. Amateur Championship at Oakland Hills Country Club.
Despite the loss, Riley managed to have a memorable event, carding a course record of 7-under par 63 during Tuesday's second round of stroke play and advancing with a win in 19 holes in the opening round of match play on Wednesday.
"This was a fun week," Riley said. "Just to be able to compete in the U.S. Amateur is an honor. I am obviously disappointed not be there on the final day, but it's all part of the process.
"I had been playing great but just got beat today and that's how it goes sometimes. I was able to accomplish some things that I'm proud of. To match a course record and have my name associated with Matt Kuchar (who set the course record with a 63 in 2007) and others is a huge honor. This experience will give me more confidence and motivation for the future."
The event was made even better as Alabama men's golf head coach Jay Seawell was by his side serving as Riley's caddy throughout the championship.
"It was a lot of fun having coach Seawell on the bag," Riley said. "Just to have coach walk with me, give me his input and have his presence gave me a lot of confidence."
The event ends a stellar month of play for the Hattiesburg, Miss., native. At the beginning of August, Riley finished 13th overall in stroke play and went on to the semifinals of match play at the 2016 Western Amateur championship.
Riley will look to use the experience to help lead the Crimson Tide during the upcoming season. Alabama opens the 2016-17 campaign at the Carpet Capital Collegiate in Dalton, Ga., on Sept. 9-11.
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