116th Oregon Amateur Championship: Wednesday & Thursday Match Play Recap

Road to the Quarterfinals: Drama, Upsets & Dominance at the 116th Oregon Amateur Championship

Match play is officially underway at the 116th Oregon Amateur Championship, and the early rounds have delivered everything from Cinderella stories to defending champion dominance. With the field now narrowed to the quarterfinalists, here’s a look back at the action-packed Rounds of 64, 32, and 16 from Tualatin Country Club, where strategy, grit, and shot-making were on full display.

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Men's Championship - Rounds of 64, 32, and 16 - Top Seeds Shine, but Bracket Busts Begin

In the Round of 64, #1 seed Zach Foushee showed exactly why he’s the two-time defending champion. He defeated final qualifier Zach Wilson in commanding fashion, 6&4, setting the tone for his title defense. Also making an early statement was TCC member Nigel Lett, the #9 seed, who matched Foushee’s margin with a 6&4 victory of his own.

In one of the biggest upsets, #53 seed Andrew Reinhardt defeated 2024 Drive, Chip & Putt National Winner Connor Holden. Meanwhile, 2018 Oregon Amateur Champion Robbie Ziegler advanced comfortably over Brock Olson, winning 3&2.

As the bracket moved into the Round of 32, storylines continued to build. #29 Brock Maulding pulled off a methodical win over Naoki Easterday, 3&2, while #51 seed Taylor Klopp emerged as the lowest remaining seed, edging past Nick Chianello in a hard-fought 2up victory.

In the round of 16, Nilay Naik, the #2 seed, needed 20 holes before finally defeating Bradley Smolinski in a grueling match. Meanwhile, Zach Foushee continued his near-flawless play. He defeated Landon Banks 4&3, marking the third straight match he has closed out before reaching the 17th hole.

Foushee now looks to do something not accomplished since 1932: win three straight Oregon Amateur titles.

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Women’s Championship – Rounds of 32 & 16 - Shockwaves in the Round of 32

The women’s bracket started off with a bang. #32 seed Sophie McFaul stunned top-seeded medalist Tong An in a dramatic 1up victory, after nearly surrendering a 4-up lead with 4 to play. McFaul secured the upset with a clutch up-and-down from the front-left bunker on 18 to a tight pin.

Three other matches needed extra holes, with Vishaka Priyan, Hannah Swanson, and Aerin Song each surviving 19-hole battles to advance.

In the next round, Elli Gordon managed to hold off Alyssa Rigby with a 1up win after leading by 3 through 10 holes. 2020 Champion Amanda Jacobs mounted a late charge, winning holes 17 and 18 to rally past Aerin Song, also 1up.

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Course Conditions: Championship-Caliber

As the event intensifies, so does the course. The Tualatin Country Club Golf Course Improvement Team has elevated the playing conditions with triple-cut and rolled greens and double-rolled approaches, ensuring the layout plays firm, fast, and fair for championship-level competition. Their expert preparation is producing ideal match play conditions that reward creativity, precision, and mental fortitude.

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On to the Quarterfinals

With the field now trimmed and only the best remaining, the Quarterfinals begin Friday. With defending champions still alive, former titleholders surging, and underdogs refusing to fold, the road to the 116th Oregon Amateur Championship crown is only getting more exciting.

Stay tuned for full coverage as we march toward the semifinals at Tualatin Country Club!

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