University of California, Los Angeles, Athletics
USA Takes First Day Lead at Palmer Cup
June 28, 2012
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The United States took a commanding five-point lead and UCLA senior Pontus Widegren endured a tough day on the European team in the first two rounds of competition at the Palmer Cup at Royal County Down Golf Course in Northern Ireland.
If the wet, windy and cold weather suited the Europeans, they didn't take advantage of it. The hosts lost three morning four-ball matches and three afternoon foursomes matches and trailed 6.5-1.5 after two rounds.
For Widegren, the day was a rough one as he lost once in each session. In the four-ball match with Robert Karlsson, the pair lost 2-up to Patrick Rodgers and Justin Thomas. The Americans won the second hole and built a 4-up lead through 10 holes. Karlsson led a comeback with birdies at Nos. 12 and 14 and an eagle at the 17th to extend the match to the final hole. But Rodgers' birdie at the 18th sealed the victory in the final match of the morning session.
In the afternoon competition, Widegren teamed with Graeme Robertson in foursomes and the duo lost 5 and 4 to Corbin Mills and Chris Williams. The Americans birdied the first hole and led the entire match, dropping just one hole. Mills and Williams won the fourth, fifth and ninth before Widegren and Robertson claimed No. 11. The U.S. finished the match by winning the 13th and halving No. 14.
On Friday, eight singles matches will be played. The pairings are listed below.
Round Three Singles Matches Pairings
Graeme Robertson, Europe vs. Chris Williams, USA
Julien Brun, Europe vs. Blayne Barber, USA
Daan Huizing, Europe vs. Corbin Mills, USA
David Booth, Europe vs. Andrew Yun, USA
Thomas Pieters, Europe vs. James White, USA
Robert Karlsson, Europe vs. Derek Ernst, USA
Sebastian Cappelen, Europe vs. Justin Thomas, USA
Pontus Widegren, Europe vs. Patrick Rodgers, USA
For more information and complete results click here..