Fresh Faces in Final Four at 97th Michigan Amateur Championship

PORTAGE – Three first time semi-finalists emerged from the Sweet Sixteen match play bracket to advance to the final four at the 97th Michigan Amateur at The Moors Golf Club. While two of the four finalists had been in the Sweet Sixteen, only one has ever played on the championship’s final day. Steve Cuzzort (Grosse Ile) was last year’s runner-up to MSU teammate Ryan Brehm who has since turned professional. Cuzzort is scheduled to play in tomorrow’s semi-final match against Tom Werkmeister (Grand Rapids) at 8:00 a.m.

The 40 year-old veteran of the group, Tom Werkmeister (Kentwood) beat Grand Valley State’s number one player, Matt Malloure, 1 Up. 

“I only made one birdie today," said Werkmeister. "Why I’m here, I have no idea. I was wondering if I was going to be able to come back after being three down. He (Malloure) let me back in on No. 13. I know I am going to have to play better than I did today to win my semi-final match against Steve Cuzzort.”

Tomorrow’s second match of the morning at 8:15 a.m. will feature Jimmy Chestnut (Grand Blanc) and Mark Schoenborn (Grand Rapids).

 “This is my first time qualifying for the Michigan Amateur and my first time even making it into match play,” said Schoenborn of his inexperience in playing in this competition.

His next competitor is not unfamiliar with winning; Chestnut has won every major amateur championship in Michigan excluding the Michigan Amateur and also the GAM Championship. He has his sights set on winning this one.

“Since receiving my amateur status back in July 07, I‘ve had my sites set on winning this tournament,” said Chestnut. “This is the best tournament in the state, better than even the Michigan Open. This is the one tournament that you really want to win as a golfer. I have always wanted to win this tournament,” said Chestnut.

For more information and complete results, visit www.gam.org.