World No.1 amateur Luke Clanton defeats No.2 in match play at the East Lake Cup
On Tuesday, October 29, world No. 1 amateur Luke Clanton posted a 3&2 win over the second-ranked Jackson Koivun in the matchplay at the East Lake Cup Men's division. Although he earned a point for Florida State, his team faced a 3-2 defeat against Auburn University.
The East Lake Cup began on Tuesday at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, Georgia, and will conclude on Wednesday, October 30. Georgia Tech University, Ohio State University, Auburn University, and Florida State University are the four teams competing in the event.
The first round took place on Tuesday, with Florida State taking on Auburn. When Clanton and Koivun teed off for their match, Auburn already had a 2-0 lead. The world No. 1 amateur took the lead on the first hole with a birdie and went two up on the next hole. Koivun recovered with a birdie on the third hole, but both players halved the next four holes.
Clanton moved to 2-up with a birdie on the eighth before Koivun responded with a birdie on the 10th. The Florida State junior sealed the match by winning three of the next six holes, while Koivun could win just one.
Although the 20-year-old golfer registered the first win for his team, Auburn University sealed the round with a victory in Match 4.
"This one was definitely the biggest match I've had yet" - Luke Clanton reflects on his win against Jackson Koivun
During the post-round interview, Luke Clanton reflected on his win against Jackson Koivun in the opening-round match of the East Lake Cup.
"I think this one was definitely the biggest match I've had yet," he said. "Me and Jackson have had one heck of a year and a half I guess you could say. It's been awesome competing against him, and to finally play against him in match play was awesome.
"I think match play goes either way, especially as the top two players in the world. It was awesome, but it meant a lot," he added.
Following the first round, Georgia Tech and Auburn University are at the top of the leaderboard and will play in the finals. Florida State will take on Ohio State for third place on Wednesday. Luke Clanton will face Jack Vojtko of Ohio State at 9:20 am ET in Match 4.