Clemson’s Trahan Eliminated From Public Links Championship

July 11, 2001

San Antonio, TX – After never holding the lead over the first 15 holes of the match, Matt Cohn of La Jolla, CA won each of the last three holes and eliminated Clemson rising junior and defending champion D.J. Trahan 2-up in the first round of match play at the United States Public Links Championships on Wednesday.

Trahan had won six consecutive matches last year in winning the championship, which carries and automatic invitation to the Masters. But, Trahan fell in the first round in the event played at the par 71 Pecan Valley Course in San Antonio, TX.

Trahan had fired rounds of 76-71 in the stroke play portion on Monday and Tuesday to qualify for the match play aspect of the event. The native of Inman, SC won the first hole and held that 1-up lead through the sixth hole. Cohn won the seventh to square the match, then Trahan got the lead back on the par-five ninth hole.

Trahan never trailed over the first 10 holes, then won the par-four 11th to go 2-up. Cohn came back to win the 12th hole, but Trahan still had a 1-up lead heading to the 16th tee. But, Cohn won each of the last three holes to move on in the competition.

The par three holes proved to be Trahan’s demise. Cohn won three of the four par threes on the course, including the pivotal 16th hole when Trahan had a 1-up lead.