Michel makes American Mid-Am quarters

Lukas Michel fist bumps his caddy on the third hole during the US Mid-Amateur 2019. Image: USGA

Victorian Lukas Michel has kept Australia's hope for a first American Mid-Amateur title alive by moving on to the last eight in Colorado Golf Club.

Michel defeated American Nick Nosewicz 2 & 1 in the morning round of 32 games and continued his impressive series of form in Denver right after lunch with a 4 & 3 win.

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The Metropolitan member never gave up the lead in his round of 16-match over American Dan Ellis and sealed the game with a 10ft birdie on the par-5 15th.

"I knew I played well to lead the event, but every time you have 264 players to go to the top eight, it's always a challenge," Michel said.

"I birdie two, hit it pretty close there, and then I think we kind of swapped it through the front nine, but I kind of kept a pretty good lead."

"I am clearly happy with how far I am so far and I look forward to continuing."

Michel is a proven matchplay golfer, who has played a key role in the triumphal Victorian Men & # 39; s State Team for the past three years.

Reaching the last eight has already given Michel a start in next year's US Mid-Amateur, but the biggest prize being offered this week goes to the winner in the form of a spot in the field at the 2020 Masters.

"I have had pretty good success in match play tournaments," said Michel.

"I made the semi-final of the South Australian Amateur last year and played the game at the Aussie Am at the beginning of this year, defeated by a very good player from Japan.

"I am quite confident leading to the rest of the week.

“I get a lot of good support, messages and phone calls and such. It is exciting. "

The World No.287 amateur will compete against No.2843 Jacob Koppenberg tomorrow.