So too have fellow Americans, Niall Shiels Donegan and John Daly II, who’s both made dauntingly classy progress in the US Amateur Championship. With every match, they’re proving their talent and grit on their way to the quarterfinals! Donegan, representing Scotland while residing in the Bay Area, displayed impressive performances throughout the tournament, while Daly II, the son of two-time major champion John Daly, continued to build on his family’s legacy in golf.
On Wednesday morning, Niall Shiels Donegan participated in a tense playoff among 20 players, emerging as one of the 17 who advanced to the match play segment of the competition. This victory certainly made history for Donegan, who has been such an incredible talent in this elite race.
In his first match of the round of 32 against Preston Stout, Donegan fought back to even by making a birdie on the par-3 15th hole. Stout, a junior from Oklahoma State, was the stroke-play medalist. He took command of the tournament with a spectacular 20-foot birdie putt on the par-5 16th. That fantastic kick put him far enough ahead to win, setting the stage for his upset victory.
Donegan pulled off a stunning upset win against ninth ranked Christiaan Maas of South Africa. He clinched the win with a 1-up playoff on the last day of play earlier in the tournament. These victories highlight his national success and growing reputation on the national stage.
In the meantime, John Daly II was showing fans some serious talent. He beat Nate Smith 2 and 1 in morning round of 32. With the victory over Blumenthal, he continued his winning streak in the round of 16. He then defeated Daniel Bennett of South Africa by 3 and 2. Daly II is making a name for himself outside of the Daly legacy. In the process, he pays tribute to his father’s legacy.
Daly II’s old man, John Daly, is perhaps the most famous man in golf, a two-time major champion and a counterculture icon. While less is mentioned about Lawrence, Daly II’s grandfather and a former golf correspondent for The Guardian, his family’s involvement in golf remains evident.
As the quarterfinals are almost here, Niall Shiels Donegan will meet Jacob Modleski in an equally exciting matchup sure to come in the round of eight. Donegan and Daly II have proven to be clever and tough. Yet, despite their performance, it is hard to view them as serious championship contenders for the title.
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