KARACHI: Pakistan number one Omar Khalid’s campaign in the US Junior Amateur Golf Championship ended on Thursday when he fell to Caden Pinckes of America in the match-play stage at the Bandon Dunes Golf Resort in Oregon on Wednesday.

Omar, who became the first golfer from Pakistan to make the cut for a USGA championship, struggled with his putter on lightning fast Bandon Dunes greens. Pinckes won 4 and 3 after the 15th hole to enter the Round of 32.

“It just wasn’t my day,” said Omar, who was two down after the first four holes. “The greens were extra fast and the tees were placed right at the back. And my putts weren’t going in.

“I was unable to give my best today. But it was my first ever tournament in the US so I’m happy that I made the cut,” he added.

The US Amateur is regarded as the toughest and most prestigious junior contest in international golf. It features 264 of the best players from around the world. Past winners include Tiger Woods, Jordan Spieth and current world number one Scottie Scheffler.

Published in Dawn, July 29th, 2022