Favorites fall early at State Am

LEHI — A couple of favorites to win the Utah State Amateur Golf Championship at Thanksgiving Point have already headed home following Friday's morning matches.

The biggest upset came when Zach Bachman, a No. 29 seed, defeated Dustin Pimm, a No. 4 seed, in sudden death by rolling in a 20-foot birdie putt on the first extra hole. Bachman was two down to Pimm heading into the back nine.

In what might look like an upset, but was really more of a tough draw, No. 31 seed Robbie Fillmore dribbled in a slick downhill 15-foot birdie on the 18th hole to knock off No. 2 seed Robert McRae 1-up. McRae lost despite shooting a 6-under par 66.

Steve Poulson edged former Utah Open champion Greg Buckway 2 and 1 by making birdie on five of his final eight holes.

Other match winners included No. 1 seed Michael McRae, No. 3 seed Dan Horner, No. 14 seed Carl Jensen, No. 6 seed Tommy Sharp, No. 11 seed Scott Clark, No. 13 seed Nick Nelson, No. 5 seed Zach Blair, No. 24 seed Chris Gresh, No. 8 seed Jeff Kitches and No. 16 seed Chance Cota.

The best afternoon match features Jensen versus Horner, and Clark versus Sharp.