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Amateur Golf
Albin Choi USGA/ John Mummert
Albin Choi loses heartbreaker at US Amateur
Despite being 2-up thru 16, Canada's last hope in Colorado loses in extra holes
Terry Lenyk/ Golf Canada
Published on Thursday, Aug. 16, 2012 09:07PM EDT Last updated on Thursday, Aug. 16, 2012 09:17PM EDT
Truth be told, I can’t remember a golf moment that has broken my heart more than watching Toronto’s Albin Choi lose in extra holes today at the US Amateur.
Golf Channel began their coverage of the US Amateur Thursday just as Choi, a member of Team Canada, was about to tee off on the 17 hole at Cherry Hills Golf Club in Denver, Colorado. He was 2-up over Michael Weaver, a junior at the University of California, but that advantage was short lived.
Choi lost the 17th hole after Weaver managed to birdie the lengthy 17th hole – a 556 yards, par 5. Then, on the par 4 18th, Choi bogeyed a tricky par 4 to send the match into extra holes.
In extra holes, Choi and Weaver both pushed their tee shots left on the short starting hole, No. 1. Weaver found a greenside bunker, while Choi was lucky with his approach, finding shorter rough next to a tree which was further left of the bunker off the tee.
Despite what some would call an advantage, Choi’s 40 yard approach came up short, leaving the door wide open for Weaver. Weaver’s 20-yard bunker shot was nothing short of amazing, leaving it a mere 3 feet for birdie and the win.
Choi missed his birdie putt and Weaver converted his sandie meaning Choi was eliminated after his triumphant struggle to get to the round of 16.
Choi was Canada’s last hope of winning the US Amateur. The 2010 Canadian Amateur Champion will return to NC State in the fall to continue his education and will more than likely represent Canada at the World Amateur Championships in Turkey in early October.
The World Amateur Team Championship, for the Eisenhower Trophy, will be played at Antalya Golf Club (PGA Sultan Course) and Cornelia Golf Club. The World Amateur Team Championship began in 1958 and were last played in 2010 in Argentina. France claimed the men’s title.
Canada's Justin Shin lost his round of 32 match 1-up to Edouard Espana of France.
To continue following the US Amateur, click here.
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