Oklahoma State University Athletics
Jordan Niebrugge Helps U.S. To Walker Cup Lead
September 07, 2013 | Cowboy Golf
Sep 7, 2013
SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y. - Oklahoma State's Jordan Niebrugge was one of six Americans to win his afternoon singles match on Saturday at the Walker Cup to stake the U.S. to an 8-4 lead over Great Britain and Ireland at National Golf Links of America.
The Americans trailed 2.5-1.5 after the morning's foursome matches before surging during the afternoon session.
Niebrugge teamed with Nathan Smith during the morning round, which saw the American fall 1-up to Matthew Fitzpatrick and Neil Raymond. After the first four holes were halved, the GB&I squad won the next two holes and took a 2-up lead to the back nine.
The two sides alternated wins over the first four holes of the inward nine before the Americans won the 15th and 16th to draw even. However, the GB&I duo won the match with a birdie at the par-5 18th.
With a 1-up win over Garrick Porteous during the afternoon, Niebrugge was part of a rally that saw the U.S. go 6-1-1.
The OSU sophomore dropped the opening hole, but pulled even with a birdie at the second and would not trail again. Niebrugge won the 3rd and 4th before Porteous squared the match after winning the seventh and eighth holes.
Niebrugge made the turn with a 1-up lead after winning the ninth with a birdie. After halves over the next four holes, Niebrugge won the 14th to move back to 2-up before Porteous drew back even with wins at the 15th and 17th.
After Porteous found trouble at the 18th, Niebrugge won the hole and match with a conceded eagle.
Niebrugge will be paired with Patrick Rodgers for tomorrow morning's foursome matches and will tee off at 8 a.m. (EST). In the afternoon singles matches, he will take on Jordan Smith and will begin play at 2:06 p.m.
