Clyburn misses match play portion at U.S. Amateur

The U.S. Amateur’s 312-player field was tested even further than normal Tuesday as the USGA’s oldest championship was halted for approximately four hours by storms in the area.

Cartersville’s R.B. Clyburn, who shot 77 at Oakmont Monday, was in the morning wave of players at the co-hosting Longue Vue Club in nearby Verona, Pennsylvania. That group of players was able to complete their rounds and complete the 36 holes of stroke play.

The afternoon wave of 156 players at Oakmont and Longue Vue will complete their second rounds of stroke play Wednesday morning.

Clyburn, who qualified by shooting 133 (7-under-par) at Capital City Club Crabapple in Woodstock back in mid-July, struggled to an 82 at Longue Vue Club Tuesday and will miss the match play portion of the 2021 Championship. His 159 total (19-over-par) left him in a tie for 297th place when play resumed Wednesday. Only the top 64 of 312 players will reach the match play portion which will now likely begin some time Wednesday afternoon.

Most of the stroke play leaders are completing their 36-holes of qualifying at Oakmont.

When play resumes Wednesday morning, Mark Goetz of Greensburg, Pennsylvania leads at 9-under-par. He had completed 12 holes at Oakmont when play was halted Tuesday.

Jacob Bridgeman (Inman, SC) and Brian Ma (Milpitas, CA) were two shots behind at 7-under-par. Both of those players were early on their front nine holes when play was stopped.

The projected 36-hole cut for match play — at least to get into a playoff for a final spot — was approximately 3-over-par at the time of the stoppage.

The match play portion of the 212th Amateur Championship will move exclusively to the 7,254-yard, par-70 Oakmont Country Club Wednesday through Sunday. Tournament officials will strive to get back on schedule with Round of 32 matches Thursday, Quarterfinals Friday, Semifinals Saturday, and the 36-hole championship match Sunday.