JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — After a day of stroke play qualifying, the bracket has been determined for the Atlanta Amateur Match Play Championship. The 98th edition of this competition is taking place at Rivermont Golf Club, October 6-9.
The defending champion, Chris Waters of Atlanta, was exempt through stroke play qualifying and is the top-seed. Bob Royak of Alpharetta posted the only score in red numbers of the day at 1-under-par 69, and has earned the two-seed. Stan Gann, Jr., of Bonaire finished at even-par 70, while all other ocmpetitors finished over par.
Waters will face Byron Lay of Alpharetta in the round of 32 Friday at 9:00 a.m.
Once 18 holes were played, nine individuals were in at 7-over-par 77, so a playoff was needed to determine the final spot in match play. Thomas Whitley of Hoschton, Davis Smith of Duluth, Byron Lay of Alpharetta, Jerry Arehart of Alpharetta, Robert Balaban of Marietta, Larry Harris of Lilburn, Dalton Melnyk of Atlanta, Barry Reading of Newnan and Ray Greco III of Social Circle were divided into two groups and returned to the number one tee. Greco was not present at the start of the playoff.
Once the eight competitors played the first extra hole (#1), Lay was the only player to make birdie, so he secured the final spot in match play.