Ernst cruises into quarters at Publinx

Ernst, last year’s runner-up, cruised by Richard Hattori in the round of 32,
then crushed Xander Schauffele in the third round to move into the quarters at
Soldier Hollow Golf Course.

He will face Brad Schneider in Friday’s quarterfinals. Schneider bested Justin
Kelly, 3 & 2, in the second round, then coasted by Korky Kemp, 4 & 3, in round
three.

T.J. Vogel, who like Schneider is ranked in the top 75 in the World Amateur
Golf Rankings, fended off Greg Condon, 1-up, his first match Thursday. In the
third round, Vogel bested Anton Arboleda, 3 & 2.

Vogel will take on Alberto Sanchez in the quarters. Sanchez took down Jordan
Wetsch, 2 & 1, in round two, then held off Jacob Knapp, 1-up, in the third
round.

Paul McConnell beat Zachary Blair, 2 & 1, in the second round before beating
Benjamin Griffin 4 & 3 in round three.

McConnell will play Kevin Aylwin in the quarterfinals. Aylwin beat Scott
McNeil, 3 & 1, Thursday morning before holding off Steven Fox, 1-up, in round
three.

The last quarterfinal match will be between Kyle Beversdorf and Carlos
Rodriguez. Beversdorf had two easy matches Thursday. He rolled over Jace Long,
4 & 3, in the second round, then trounced Cody McManus, 6 & 5, in the
afternoon.

Rodriguez took out Garrett Rank in the second round by a 4 & 3 margin. In the
third round, he had the only match that went extra holes. Rodriguez needed 20
holes to beat Michael Kim.

Match play continues Friday with the quarterfinals and semifinals before the
36-hole final on Saturday.