Estancia High Golfer Advances in U.S. Junior

EL CAJON — Austin Maki, who will be a junior at Estancia High School, knew if he could just make the cut he would prove himself during match play of the U.S. Junior Amateur Championships at Singing Hills Golf Course.

Maki barely made it and now, after rallying from two down with three holes to play to win on the 19th hole against Edward Davis of Suisun, Calif., Friday, he has reached this morning’s semifinal round. The final follows later today.

“They weren’t expecting me to give them as much trouble as someone who shot a 146 in qualifying,” said Maki, who shot 154 during 36-hole medal play. “I never thought of losing. I think that’s part of the reason I played so badly (in qualifying). I was just trying to make the cut.”

Maki made a 20-foot birdie putt on the 17th hole Friday to bring the match even and won his quarterfinal match after Davis’ tee shot landed behind some trees on the 19th hole.

Maki’s 154 tied nine other golfers, and they played off for eight remaining spots in the 64-player match-play field Wednesday. Maki birdied the first playoff hole to advance.