We almost have all eight of our quarterfinalists at the 2011 U.S. Amateur Public Links. Medalist Corbin Mills is already through after a 4-and-2 win over Talor Gooch. Mills had a tremendous second-round match with reigning NCAA Division I champion John Peterson. The two were all-square going to 18 when Mills stuffed a wedge approach to 3 feet for a winning birdie. Besides winning the NCAAs, Peterson also claimed the Jones Cup earlier this year and is on the USA Walker Cup Team radar.
The two remaining University of Oregon players also could be among the last eight. Andrew Vijarro and Daniel Miernicki are both leading in their matches. Vijarro is currently dormie 2 over Robert Hoadley. The long-hitting Miernicki leads Jack Schultz by one after the turn. Schultz is vying to make it two in a row for University of Michigan golfers at the APL. Lion Kim won last year, but joined a private club this summer in preparation for PGA Tour Qualifying School this fall.
As for the weather conditions, the sun has come out and the winds have picked up slightly. After walking Old Macdonald this morning, I must say the course is absolutely stunning. It's a cross between St. Andrews, Ballybunion, Prestwick and Royal County Down. -- David Shefter