Nerves get to Paul Dunne, American 

 

Niebrugge wins Leading Amateur Silver Medal

 

Irishman Paul Dunne, sharing the lead in the Open at the start of the final day, found the occasion too big for him as most amateurs would in a similar situation.

A bundle of nerves, he was short of the Swilcan Burn at the first hole after two shots, and he two-putted for a bogey 5. Then he drove so far right from the second tee that his ball ended on the putting green by the practice range.

Dunn never settled, even thinning his final approach shot to the 18th, through the back of the green and into the long grass that has been allowed to grow there. He signed for a sad 78.

But the University of Alabama-Birmingham student will almost certainly be in the GB and I Walker Cup team for the September 12-13 match against the United States at Royal Lytham.

So too will be the winner of the Silver Medal as the leading amateur in the Open - American Jordan Niebrugge

Niebrugge pulled within three shots of the lead on the back nine until he could no longer keep up. He closed with a 2-under 70 to tie for sixth place overall.

Not only was he low amateur, the American became the first amateur since Chris Woods at Royal Birkdale in 2008 to finish in the top 10. Along with getting the silver medal, the top 10 means he gets to return to the Open next year at Royal Troon.
“The top accomplishment I’ve had so far,” said Niebrugge, a senior-to-be at Oklahoma State. “Just the silver medal in a major championship, especially at St. Andrews. It’s definitely a dream come true.”
Oliver Schniederjans of Georgia Tech, in his final tournament as a pro, got within two shots of the lead about two hours before the leaders started the final round. He shot a 67 and tied for 12th. Schniederjans is turning pro and will play the Canadian Open later this week.Niebrugge still has another year left as an amateur because he wants to finish his degree at Oklahoma State. His performance this week should make him a certainty to return to links golf in September as a member of the defending USA team in theWalker match.
“Just try and do everything I can to play my way onto the team,” Niebrugge said. “I’ve got a couple more events this summer left, and we’ll see how it goes.”