Donnell Just Misses Match Play at U.S. Amateur 8/20/02

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Mark Donnell's bid to advance to the match play competition at the 2002 United States Amateur came up a little short after he carded a two-round score of eight-over par 148 at the Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield Hills, Mich. His score of 148 left him five shots from the cut, which was made at three-over-par 143.

Donnell, playing out of his hometown of Mobile, Ala., was making his first appearance at the U.S. Amateur and was one of 312 golfers who began Monday's first round of stroke play. Donnell fired a three-over-par 73 Monday on the 6,988-yard par 70 South Course to finish tied for 85th place.

For Tuesday's second round, Donnell played the 6,618-yard par-70 North Course and recorded a score of five-over-par 75. With only the low 64 golfers advancing to match play, Donnell's time at his first U.S. Amateur ended after round two.

Donnell now turns his attention to Vanderbilt as he prepares for his sophomore year as a Commodore. Last year as a freshman, Donnell was Vanderbilt's No. 2 golfer with a stroke average of 74.1 in 35 rounds. His season was highlighted by three top-10 finishes, including earning medalist honors at the Adams Cup and finishing tied for eighth at the SEC Championships