OC's Gibson holds off Green

July 18, 2008 02:15 pm

— One year ago, Rhein Gibson opened some eyes at the State Amateur Championship, as he fought Daniel Mitchell tooth and nail in the semifinals, before losing in 24 holes. This time it was Gibson’s turn, as he survived a late rally by Andrew Green and took home the title in Thursday’s match play tournament at Gaillardia Golf and Country Club.
“It feels good definitely after last year, after giving Daniel a good run and losing, it was good to finally win it,” Gibson said. “I’ve played a lot of good amateur events over the world, but as far as winning, this is probably one of the biggest for sure.”
Gibson, a four-time-All-American at Oklahoma Christian University, got off to a great start, and pulled away from Green with birdies on Nos. 1, 2 and 4 and an eagle on No. 3. Gibson finished 5-under-par over the first seven holes, to go 5-up on the Edmond Santa Fe product and future Central Oklahoma golfer.
“Match play is one of those games where you want to get off to a hot start and get your opponent down, and I did it in the first five or six holes,” Gibson said.
But the momentum quickly shifted towards Green, who rallied back with an eagle on No. 14, and took advantage of a pair of Gibson bogeys to cut the lead to 1-up through 15 holes. Green’s comeback attempt slipped away on the next hole, as his tee shot went into the weeds for a two-stroke penalty. Gibson went on to win the hole, and took the title, as both players parred 17.
“That wayward drive really hurt me, but (Gibson) is a very good player,” Green said. “I came here expecting to do well, but I did a lot better than I thought.”
Gibson advanced to the finals Thursday morning, after easily disposing of Poteau’s Zachary Pool by a final of 7-and-6. The Lismore, Australia native said plans to finish school at OC in December, and turn pro at the end of the year. Until then he will compete in a few amateur events.
Green earned a spot in the finals, after defeating Chris Wilson of Tulsa 6-and-5 in the semifinals Thursday morning. After winning the Oklahoma Golf Association Junior Tournament in June, Green came close to becoming the first Oklahoman to win both events. Green says he plans to compete in the US Amateur qualifier, before heading to UCO in the fall.

Photos

DREW HARMON | The Edmond Sun Oklahoma Christian University golfer Rhein Gibson holds the championship trophy after the final round of the State Amateur Tournament, which Gibson won over Andrew Green, Thursday afternoon at Gaillardia.

DREW HARMON | The Edmond Sun Edmond Santa Fe graduate and University of Central Oklahoma signee Andrew Green punches out of a bunker onto the fourth green Tuesday afternoon during the 2008 State Amateur tournament at Gaillardia.