Lewis advances to USGA finals after beating Smith in playoff

The Associated Press

September 22, 2011

RICHMOND — Randal Lewis defeated two-time defending champion Nathan Smith on the first extra hole Wednesday to advance to the final of the USGA Mid-Amateur at Shadow Hawk.

Lewis, a 54-year-old financial manager from Alma, Mich., will attempt to become the oldest U.S. Mid-Am champion when he faces Kenny Cook, a 6 and 5 winner over John Engler, in Thursday’s 36-hole final.

Smith, 33, was attempting to become the first USGA male golfer to win three consecutive national titles since Tiger Woods won three straight U.S. Amateurs in the 1990s. He tied Lewis by sinking an eagle putt on the par-5 18th hole. He hit an errant drive on the first extra hole, though, and Lewis sank a birdie putt to win the match.

The Daily Texan

The Daily Texan

The Daily Texan

Lewis advances to USGA finals after beating Smith in playoff

The Daily Texan