Redman Moves on to Elite Eight of US Amateur

Clemson, S.C.—Doc Redman eagled the 17th hole to clinch a 2&1 win over John Oda of Honolulu, Hawaii and the UNLV golf program to advance to the Final Eight of the United States Amateur at Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles, Calif. It was Redman’s second win of the day as he had beaten Walker Lee of Houston, Texas earlier, 1-up.

Redman is the first Clemson golfer to advance to the final eight of the US Amateur since 2009 when Ben Martin and Phillip Mollica both were in the final eight. Martin is the last Clemson golfer to reach the Final Four. Redman will face Travis Smyth of Australia on Friday afternoon in the quarterfinals.

Redman won the match without making a birdie, but he won seven holes. But, he did score the eagle on 17 when he needed it most. With a 1-up lead, Redman drove the ball in the middle of the fairway to start the 17th hole. He had 282 yards left to the green and hit a wood to within 10 feet of the hole. Oda hit his third shot to within 10 feet and made the putt for birdie, forcing Redman to make his eagle to win the hole. For the week, Redman has played the 17th hole at four under par.

Redman, who was the No. 62 seed after the stroke play qualifier, never trailed in the match and had a 2-up lead after seven holes. But Oda battled back and tied the match with a par three on the 14th hole.

But Redman went back ahead with a par on the 136-yard par three 16th. Both golfers hit their tee shot in a trap. Redman hit his bunker shot past the hole, but he played the break and the ball rolled back to within five feet. He made the putt to win the hole.

Redman, who will be a sophomore on the Clemson team this year, is the highest seeded player left in the field. Only two of the top eight seeds have advanced to the final eight.

Redman’s match with Smyth will begin at 5:15 p.m. eastern time on Friday and will be televised by FS1.

Redman Run to Elite 8