Peterson Falls During Opening Round of Match Play at U.S. Mid-Amateur

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  MILTON, Ga. – After cruising during the first two rounds of qualifying when the 2017 U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship began Saturday in Atlanta, Trent Peterson, the only Minnesotan left in the field, faltered late in his Round of 64 match as he would card three bogeys over the final four holes to exit the championship.

Peterson, winner of both the MGA Mid-Players’ and MGA Mid-Amateur Championships this season, fired rounds of 72 and 70, respectively, to open the championship in a tie for 12th place to advance to the match play portion of the championship.

Seeded No. 13, Peterson squared off against Alma, Mich., native Randal Lewis during the Round of 64 Tuesday and would take an early 2-up lead thanks to a pair of bogeys by Lewis at the second and fourth holes.

Lewis took advantage of a bogey by Peterson at the par-3 sixth, but Peterson regained a 2-up edge at the ninth and maintained his lead through 12 holes.

Lewis carded birdie at the par-3 13th to pull within one before making another birdie at the par-3 15th. Peterson watched his lead vanish late following a bogey at the 16th, but gave himself a chance after winning the 17th with a par to head to the final hole even with Lewis.

Unable to save par on the final hole, Peterson carded his third bogey in a four-hole span as Lewis clinched the match, 1-up, to eliminate Peterson.