January 30, 2013 at 5:54 p.m.
Dillas moves a step closer to qualifying for U.S. Open
Shoots a one under par 69 in Rhode Island to move on to Atlanta event
Dillas moves a step closer to qualifying for U.S. Open
The reining amateur match play champion demonstrated yet again why he is considered as one of the island's top players by advancing to the second stage of U.S. Open qualifiers at the Par 70 Metacomet Country Club layout in Rhode Island earlier this week.
Dillas carded a superb one under par 69, that included three birdies on the front nine, to finish second overall and advance along with Americans Charlie Blanchard and John Elliott to the next stage of qualifiers.
Blanchard claimed medal honours with a two under par 68.
Reflecting upon his remarkable accomplishment, Dillas said: "I am very excited and just happy to be through to the next round. It was a good day and I putted very well, which I am pleased about."
Dillas, though, realizes he still has his work cut out for him heading into the second stage of U.S. Open qualifiers.
He said: "The next stage will be a 36- hole qualifier, which I believe may be played in one day. It's going to be a lot of golf, but I'm 36 holes away from one of the biggest golf tournaments in the world."
Dillas has applied to the USPGA to play his next qualifiers in Atlanta.
"I should be getting an e-mail from the USPGA soon confirming all the details about that. They have a few venues but I put down for a site in Atlanta," he added.
When asked was he disappointed not to claim medal honours in Rhode Island, a philosophical Dillas replied: "I was not disappointed at all because I went into the event with very little expectations with so many guys for so few spots. You can't go in there thinking you are going to win the event.
"I just tried to go in and put up a good score and then see where that put me and fortunately enough it put me through. First, second and third .... It doesn't matter because we are all going through.
"Yes, it would have been nice to finish first, but I am very happy with where I finished."
Among those paying tribute to Dillas' recent exploits was veteran pro Dwayne Pearman.
He said: "Jarryd is a nice young man and I hope he can get through to the next round. He is putting his time in practising hard and my hats go off to him.
"Things like this don't happen by mistake. . . . you have to work hard and put your time in and that's what Jarryd is doing."
Also competing in Rhode Island this week was Dillas' compatriot Camiko Smith who shot a nine over 79 that included a triple bogey at the par five, ninth hole.[[In-content Ad]]
Comments:
You must login to comment.