The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB Golfer Ryan Thomas Wins Welsh Amateur Title
8/4/2004 12:00:00 AM | Men's Golf
Aug. 4, 2004
ASHBURNHAM, Wales ----- UAB golfer Ryan Thomas defeated James Williams on the fifth extra hole to capture the Welsh Amateur Golf championship. The senior-to-be birdied the 41st hole in the match play event, after one of the most dramatic and longest title deciders in the history at Ashburnham. "It hasn't sunk in yet," said Thomas. "I am really shell-shocked. It was an unbelievable final and naturally I am thrilled to have won, but what a match it was." With the victory, Thomas joins the Welsh team for September's home Internationals at Prestwick after forcing his way into the top seven in the Konica Order of Merit. "I am extremely proud and happy for Ryan," said UAB head coach Alan Kaufman. "Ryan has worked very hard while here at UAB and he is very deserving of winning this amateur title. This is going to advance his career and hopefully give him some momentum heading into the 2004-05 season." When the match began, it was Williams who looked like he was going to cruise to a comfortable victory, but then Thomas produced a gutsy performance to get right back in the match. Williams made a blistering start and swept into a four-hole lead at the tenth, but he then amazingly lost six in a row to find himself two down. Williams was able to knock the lead down to one heading into the 18th holes when he knocked in a 45-foot putt from the front edge to even the match. The two players then reeled off four straight halves before Thomas got a birdie the 41st hole and became champion.
