by Greg Johnson | The Grand Rapids Press

Thousand Oaks head professional Gary Smithson made a bold run with birdies, while Ada's Andy Matthews couldn't find the birdies needed to keep his lead.

Mount Pleasant's Ryan Brehm took advantage and won a second consecutive Michigan Open Championship at Orchard Lake Country Club on Thursday.

Brehm, 24 and a Hooters Tour player, shot a closing 4-under-par 67 for a 16-under-par 268 total and two-shot win over Smithson and Brighton's Eric Wohlfield.

"It feels really good to win because I beat some really, really good players this week," he said after collecting the $10,000 check.

Smithson, 42, started the day six shots off the lead, but made four consecutive birdies on the front nine. He ended up with a 6-under-par 65 for 270 and his best finish in a Michigan Open.

He had the best chance to catch Brehm by moving within a shot of him after a birdie on the 17th hole. He hit a wedge shot 30 feet above the hole at No. 18, though and missed a 5-foot par putt to make bogey.

"I was probably a little juiced up there and hit that gap wedge too far," Smithson said. "I got up there and knew I was in a bad place on that green."

Wohlfield, a club pro planning to attempt tour golf once again, birdied the last hole for a 70 to tie Smithson for second.

Matthews, the 30-year-old Canadian Tour player who led after each of the first three rounds, closed with a 74 and finished fourth. He said he never gave himself a chance.

"I still felt like I had a chance to win it even with the lack of birdies, but it was just one of those unfortunate days when you say golf happens," Matthews said. "I was between clubs all day, indecisive reading (greens), coming up short on putts and even had to take an unplayable lie (tree roots at No. 9). When those things are going on and you aren't making birdies you are not going to win golf tournaments."

Muskegon's Andy Ruthkoski, the 2007 Michigan Open champion, closed with a 71 for 275 and eighth place.

Six-time champion Scott Hebert of Grand Traverse Resort & Spa, a former Grand Rapids golfer, shot 71 for 276 and a tie for ninth.

Brian Ottenweller of Grand Rapids, a mini-tour pro, shot 75 for 283 and a tie for 23rd, while Boulder Creek's Joe Pollack closed with a 72 for 285 and a tie for 33rd.

Brehm, a former Michigan State standout, is the eighth golfer to repeat in the 93 years of the state championship, and the first to repeat since Scott Hebert won four consecutive events from 1999 to 2002.

"For some reason today I felt kind of at ease with myself," he said after making five birdies against one bogey. "I slowly plodded along, and it turned into a nice fun day."

Brehm won by eight shots in 2009, but had to come from behind this time.

"My playing competitors all week pushed me," he said. "This on feels so great because I beat some really good players."

by Greg Johnson | The Grand Rapids Press

Ada’s Andy Matthews will play on the PGA Tour this weekend in The Honda Classic at PGA National Resort & Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

Matthews, a Canadian PGA Tour player, outlasted five other golfers in a sudden-death playoff to earn a spot via Monday qualifying for the $5.6 million event to be played Thursday through Sunday on the Champions Course.

It will be the fifth PGA Tour event for Matthews, who turned 30 and in December narrowly missed making the final stage of the PGA Tour’s qualifying tournament.

Matthews made an eagle-3 to close his regulation 3-under-par 68 at The Fox Club on Monday, then birdied the first playoff hole and made par on the second hole to win in a six-way playoff for the final two spots.

Y.E. Yang is defending champion in a field that also will include Ernie Els and Padraig Harrington.

Matthews, a former Michigan Amateur champion and seventh-year pro, has played in the Buick Open twice, the Puerto Rico Open last year and the 2007 U.S. Open on the PGA Tour.

He had a top finish of second (falling in a playoff) last year on the Canadian Tour.

For the second consecutive year, Matthews will play select events on the Canadian Tour while often attempting Monday qualifiers on both the Nationwide and PGA Tour. Four final spots are decided in Monday play at regular PGA and Nationwide events.

by Greg Johnson | The Grand Rapids Press

Instead of an additional hour attacking a pyramid of golf balls on the practice range, Andy Matthews hooks himself up to a computer to check his brain waves, heart rate and breathing.

"And I'm playing the best golf of my life," he said.

The feedback has proved crucial for him to understand how his body reacts in certain situations so he can adjust as needed, such as controlling his breathing.

The result for the 29-year-old mini-tour golf professional -- playing this week on the Canadian Tour in British Columbia -- is a renewed optimism about his golf game.

As Matthews practiced recently at Thousand Oaks Golf Club, he did the usual swing work with instructor Charley Vandenberg. But he also brought along the computer and science of Hope 139, a cutting-edge company started in this area and notably involved in sports by aiding Grand Rapids' Chris Kaman, a standout center for the Los Angeles Clippers.

Kaman has found help with the psychological treatment program involving neurofeedback and biofeedback. He was misdiagnosed with attention deficit disorder as a toddler, but Tim Royer and Brad Oostindie of Hope 139 determined Kaman's problem was opposite in that his brain waves ran too fast.

Matthews has no such medical history, but Vandenberg had a connection to Hope 139. His son, Zachery, has been helped in dealing with Asperger's Syndrome.

Vandenberg is a cutting-edge golf teacher who, like Matthews, believes the brain is the most important "muscle" in the golf game, and that controlling breathing and heart rate is especially helpful for reaching peak performance.

"I almost feel it's the 15th club in the bag to be able to control the way your body reacts over a 15-foot putt on the last hole," Vandenberg said.

Matthews, the 2001 Michigan Amateur champion, has been a professional for seven years on tours in Africa and Canada primarily, but also has played in four PGA Tour events and a U.S. Open. He plans to take a red-eye flight Sunday night to play in next week's Michigan Open Championship in Orchard Lake.

He missed the final stage of the PGA Tour Qualifying Tournament by two shots last fall, and since won a Moonlight Golf Tour event, played in the PGA Tour's Puerto Rico Open and finished second in a playoff on the Canadian Tour's recent swing through Mexico.

Matthews acknowledges having concerns about his golf future last summer, but is renewed by "treatments" that have included on-the-course sensor hook-ups.

"I'm better able to understand what I'm doing or not doing, and it has made my practice sessions more productive," he said. "I get my brain right and my breathing right, and I'm able to absorb the information I need to perform."

Matthews never has been shy about seeking help. He has worked since college golf days at the University of Michigan with famed psychologist Bob Rotella, who has helped many of the world's top golfers.

"I knew I had a great swing coach (Vandenberg), I had gained a lot from Dr. Rotella and I had some success," Matthews said.

"But this is like the missing link. I can see on the computer screen how my body reacts during golf. I can control breathing, heart rate and performance. I'm a more efficient golfer."

Royer smiled last week when Matthews talked about his game. The words affirmed the therapy, which Royer believes can help every person, not just those with a specific medical or psychological issue.

"It's done wonderful things for people like Chris (Kaman), but it also can help a teacher become a better teacher, a golfer become a better golfer, a writer become a better writer," he said. "You learn to train your brain."

Royer in the past year connected NBA star Dirk Nowitzki and golf great Annika Sorenstam to his computer. He also has worked extensively with another Vandenberg student, LPGA Tour player Tracy Hanson, who now is introducing the product to other golfers.

"We found some people, like Dirk Nowitzki and Annika, are already genetically wired very well," Royer said.

"Some people are wired better genetically, and they control their brain and emotions better. Others, like Andy, we can help get there, and Tracy feels it's the goose that laid the golden egg, the thing she has been looking for years in her golf game. Talent and athletic ability only get you so far."

Matthews said those closest to him have noticed subtle changes in his personality. Vandenberg noticed right away.

"Andy is this gregarious, excited person, and he can still be that, but there is a new calmness about him," Vandenberg said.

Matthews said he is calmer and more in control on and off the golf course.

"I'm still the same Andy, and I can still get excited when it's time to be excited and nervous when it's time to be nervous," he said. "I just know what is going on with my body and brain so much better, and I know my golf can be better because of that knowledge."

In what is described as, "the most bizarre round of tournament golf" Andy has played, the Grand Rapids, MI native won the open qualifier to earn a spot in this week's PGA Tour FedEx Cup event held at the Trump International G.C. in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico.

His scorecard, which totaled a 3-under par 68, was a battle of 3's and 5's up until the 12th hole. "I had yet to make a 4 all day, and when I hit the par-5 12th (hole) in 2, I knew I wasn't making 5 and all but assumed I would make three." Matthews' eagle putt slid past the hole and he recorded his first 4 of the round, but quickly hopped back on the 3/5 train for the rest of the back-9, recording four more 3's in the next 5 holes. After a birdie on the difficult par-4 17th hole, his 10th 3 of the day, Andy stepped on the 18th tee with one thought in mind. Three. A wedge to 8-feet set up that opportunity, but his putt for birdie just missed, and Andy recorded only his second 4 of the day and his first par on a par-4 of the round.

Indeed a bizarre round, but Matthews quickly put it in perspective. "I made six birdies out there today in tough conditions, and I'm very proud of that. I stuck to my game plan and just kept trying to give myself chances."

The Puerto Rico Open will be Matthews' 4th PGA Tour start, his first since 2007 when he qualified for both the U.S. and Buick Opens. Play begins Thursday, and will be televised on the Golf Channel (tape delayed) at 6:30PM, and Friday at 11:30AM.

Andy Matthews fired a 3-under par 69 to win the Moonlight Golf Tour event today at Forest Lake Golf Club. Andy made 4 birdies against only 1 bogey in wet and blustery conditions for a one-shot victory over 30 other competitors.

This was Andy's 4th start on the 2009 Moonlight Tour which holds one and two day events in the greater Orlando area. His win qualified him for the tour's Level 2 event to be held tomorrow at Palisade's C.C. in Clermont, FL.

Be sure to check back tomorrow for more of Andy's results as the schedule is packed over the next week!

by Greg Johnson / The Grand Rapids Press

Andy Matthews is moving on to the next stage of PGA Tour qualifying, but Matt Harmon will have to start working toward his next attempt.

The two Grand Rapids area golfers were just three shots apart in the recent first stage of play in PGA Tour qualifying in Durham, N.C.

Matthews, who has played the Canadian Tour and South African Tour in recent years, is in his fifth attempt to earn his PGA Tour playing card.

The University of Michigan graduate closed with an eagle-3 on Saturday at Treyburn Golf Club to shoot a closing 68. It put him at 2-over-par 290 for the qualifier, and tied for 21st.

The top 25 move on to second stage play next week at one of six sites. The third and final stage play is Dec. 3-8 at PGA West in LaQuinta, Calif.

Harmon, meanwhile, opened with a 69 at Treyburn but closed with a 76 in the final round to miss the top 25 cut by two shots.

It was Harmon's first attempt at PGA qualifying at the close of his first full year as a professional.

The former Michigan State standout played on the Hooters Tour and Nationwide Tour this summer, and won a tournament on the Hooters Tour.

Matthews had to overcome a second-round 81 last week, but closed with a 71 and the 68.

"I played well except for the one round, and the putter really came around the last two rounds," he said. "Making the tour is my goal, and it feels great to play well at the end of a round and move on."

Matthews, who has worked on his game in recent weeks with his teacher Charley Vandenberg at Thousand Oaks, said he will practice in Florida for the next week before reporting to his second-stage site.

"I'm a better golfer, I'm an experienced golfer and my game is in great shape right now," he said. "I want to carry the confidence over and take advantage of this opportunity."

For the latest scoring results from the PGA Tour Qualifying Tournament please head to www.pgatour.com/qchool!

Staff Reporter / The Canadian Press

Adam Bland fired an 8-under 63 to hold a one-stroke lead over Daniel Im, Matt Daniel, Andy Matthews and Clint Rice after Thursday's first round of the Canadian Tour's Seaforth Country Classic.

Wil Collins, Andy Walker, Kent Eger, Scott Ford, Eric Couture and Andrew Parr share sixth spot after opening with 65s.

"I got off to kind of a slow start," said Bland. "But the key today was keeping the ball in play.

"I made a birdie at my third hole and made another two-putt at my fifth (No. 14). After that, I made a couple of soft pars coming in that should have been birdies."

Bland admitted he wasn't in the best of moods at the turn.

"I was pretty frustrated at the time because you can make birdie at pretty much every hole here but I wasn't keeping it in the fairway," he said. "When that happens at a course like this, you almost feel like you are losing a shot to the field.

"I finally got it going when I holed a putt at my eleventh from about 12 feet after a real bad tee shot. It kind of got my spirits going."

After another par, the Australian reeled off five consecutive birdies to finish his round.

"I just hit it close those last few holes and made the putts. It was pretty awesome," he said.

After missing the cut last week, Im is back in familiar territory.

"I played well today," said Im. "It's only the first round but I'm happy with the 64. Coming back from a missed cut last week and now being where I am makes it fun.

"I couldn't play the course last week; it didn't suit my game but I really like this one. It's very traditional."

Im nearly aced the short par-4 fourth hole but watched the ball skitter just past the hole. He then made an easy two-putt for birdie.

"This course is short, but you still have to get it on the fairway because the rough is deep," continued Im. "It got windy out there for a while and that made it a bit tougher.

"Anyone out here is capable of shooting seven or eight under. Could there be a 59 this week? Yeah, I could see it happening. The important thing, though, is to keep going for the rest of the week with the kind of round I had today."

John Berkovich / The Canadian Tour

The Canadian Tour is 260 miles north of Mexico City this week for the La Loma San Luis Potosi Open. The 72-hole tournament, held at the Nicklaus La Loma Golf Club, features a full field of 156 competitors.

The Canadian Tour is delighted to announce that the Golden Bear, Jack Nicklaus, will be at La Loma on Tuesday and Wednesday of tournament week for a media conference followed by a clinic.

La Loma, a 7,585-yard Jack Nicklaus Signature Design, opened in 2006 to rave reviews and features a 125,000 square foot clubhouse with all the amenities to make the players feel welcome.

The striking par 72 layout sits at 6,158 feet above sea level and overlooks the historic town of San Luis Potosi.

Nicklaus weaved the rugged terrain and fauna of the surrounding hills into his design to create a desert masterpiece that calls to mind the finest desert courses in the United States.

Both the fifth and the sixth hole are reachable par fives in the rarified air yet accuracy is a must off the tee.

The 15th is a 703-yard par five. The hole has generous landing areas but creeping fairways bunkers place a premium on the second shot.

“The Canadian Tour is looking forward to hosting the tournament at such a fine facility," said Dan Halldorson. "The golf course features a variety of holes and the players will enjoy it."

Greg Johnson / The Grand Rapids Press

Ada's Andy Matthews will play in his second Buick Open this week after winning a spot in the tournament yesterday.

The Canadian Tour player who recently played in the U.S. Open won a Monday qualifier at Fieldstone Golf Club.

Matthews' 5-under-par 67 earned him a tie for first with Stuart Dean of Arlington, Texas, and one of the four spots available to a field of 57 golfers who played Monday.

The Buick Open starts Thursday at Warwick Hills.

Matthews, a former Michigan Amateur champion, was 19 when he first qualified for the Buick Open via the Monday route. He played and missed the 36-hole cut.

Matthews will not be the only area golfer in the PGA Tour's annual visit to Michigan.

Kentwood's Matt Harmon, the former Michigan State standout who was Big Ten Golf of the Year, is in the field via a sponsor's exemption. Also in is former Sunnybrook pro Scott Hebert, who earned an exemption by winning the Michigan PGA Championship last summer.

Jeff Patterson / Golf Digest

With rounds of 79 and 81, Andy Matthews won’t win the U.S. Open this year, but he has definitely won over young Cooper Schechterle.

Schechterle, a 3-year-old born 27 weeks premature, met the Canadian Tour pro in Oakmont’s clubhouse during Wednesday’s thunderstorm. Matthews entertained the awestruck boy during the delay as the entire Schechterle family smiled.

Despite the rigors of Matthews’ first U.S. Open week, he was extremely generous with his time. “We were even e-mailing [Wednesday] night,” said Cooper's mother, Melissa, whose son is Massachusetts’ ambassador baby for the March of Dimes. “I was like, ‘You need to be preparing for the U.S. Open tomorrow.’ ”

At night, back in the hotel, all Cooper could do was think about Andy. “He kept saying, ‘Andy golf, Andy golf,’ ” said Melissa.

On Thursday, Cooper watched Matthews’ first round from a stroller. When the family arrived at the 11th hole, Cooper ran under the ropes — he did not need to duck — toward his new friend. “He saw the blue shirt [Andy was wearing], and he just ran right toward him,” said Melissa.

Cooper made it about halfway to Matthews before being called back by his parents. If his mother had not told him, “You'll see him later," he probably would have kept going.

Cooper and his parents came to the Open this week to get signatures from professionals on Oakmont flags. One flag was going to be auctioned for the March of Dimes, and the other would be for Cooper to keep. But after obtaining more than 35 signatures from the likes of Ernie Els, Chris DiMarco and Todd Hamilton, the flags were stolen.

When Todd Hamilton heard about the family's misfortune, he promised that he would get a golf bag signed for Cooper. Matthews offered to get two other flags signed.

“There are so many nice people on the PGA Tour,” said Melissa.

Greg Johnson / The Grand Rapids Press

Andy Matthews was 5 the last time a golfer from Grand Rapids played in the U.S. Open.

The 27-year-old Canadian Tour professional from Ada will end that 22-year drought next week at Oakmont Country Club in Oakmont, PA.

Matthews survived a four-golfer playoff over four holes with a par-saving 3 1/2-foot putt in a U.S. Open sectional qualifying tournament Monday at Riverside Country Club in North Riverside, IL.

He will join Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and the rest of the world's top-ranked golfers in the 156-player field June 14-17.

"I knew I had a putt for a chance to play in the U.S. Open," Matthews said. "I was nervous, but I stuck with my routine and I made it.

"You know, all of the hard work in the last few years, the travel, the missed cuts, the grinding on tours, all that stuff prepared me for an opportunity like this."

Lynn Janson, head professional at Egypt Valley Country Club where the Matthews family has a membership, is the most recent local golfer to have played at the U.S. Open. The Michigan Golf Hall of Fame member competed in seven Opens between 1974-85.

"It's quite an accomplishment," Janson said of Matthews qualifying for the event. "You know, Andy has worked hard, and you never know where his future will take him in a tough racket, but he's creating memories for himself and his family.

"Some experiences you can't buy, and that's one of them."

Matthews, the son of Jerry and Terri Matthews and the 2001 Michigan Amateur champion, will play among the PGA Tour stars for the second time in his career. At age 19, he played qualifiers to earn a spot in the Buick Open at Warwick Hills. He played two rounds, missing the 36-hole cut.

"I've looked back on that experience several times if only to pump me up," Matthews said. "I know this means I will always be able to say I played in a U.S. Open. That means a lot."

Matthews, who has fallen short in PGA Tour Qualifying attempts three times, shot rounds of 73 and 70 for 143 on Monday in wind and rain at Riverside. Jeff Brehaut of Los Altos, Calif., shot a pair of 70s to earn co-medalist honors at 140 with Mike Small of Champaign, Ill. (71-69).

Jonathan Mills earned the third of the five spots available in the Chicago area sectional at 141 (66-75). Matthews was tied at 143 with professionals Martin Laird of Scotland, Neal Lancaster of Smithfield, NC, and Joseph Alfieri of Odessa, FL.

That foursome then battled for the two remaining spots in a playoff. Laird birdied the first hole to earn one spot, while Alfieri eliminated himself with a bogey. Matthews and Lancaster then played three more holes before Matthews saved par at No. 4 while Lancaster played to bogey.

Matthews has missed the 36-hole cut in his past four Canadian Tour events, but tied for 14th in a U.S. Pro Golf Tour event this year in Dallas.

Grand Rapids, MI native Andy Matthews began his pursuit for the 2007 U.S. Open with a 4-under par 68 and became one of six players to advance through the local qualifier today at Weston Hills C.C. in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Highlighted by an eagle on the 548-yard par-5 first hole, Andy added birdies on holes 3 and 6 to turn at 4-under par, while his back-nine 36 was balanced by 2 birdies and 2 bogies as thunderstorms and high winds attacked the area. Eighty-four players in all battled the 7,069 yard layout.

Andy spent the previous two weeks in Bonita Springs, FL getting ready for this week, and it paid off. “I controlled my irons well out there today and that left me with a lot of good looks at birdie,” he said after his round. “I’m really happy with where my game is right now and excited for sectionals.”

Matthews will be making his third appearance at the sectional qualifier June 4 at Riverside G.C. in North Riverside, IL. Survivors of the 36-hole sectional earn spots in the U.S. Open June 14-17 at Oakmont C.C. near Pittsburg.

Vartan Kupelian / The Detroit News

Sometimes, the best lessons are those that are completely unexpected, the kind Andy Matthews learned in South Africa.

Matthews, 26, is a former Michigan Amateur champion who found himself looking for a place to play and wound up -- much to his surprise -- on South Africa's Sunshine PGA Tour two years ago.

"It turned out to be a lot more than just playing golf," he said.

One thing led to another, including two starts on the European Tour, and a revelation about life that Matthews is applying with success to his golf.

"The biggest thing I learned had nothing to do with golf," said Matthews, who played college golf at the University of Michigan and won the 2001 Michigan Amateur.

"I've always been an organized person. Always had my hotels, flights and everything else planned. The attitude over there is different. It's, 'We'll find a hotel when we get there. We'll find a flight when we need it.' It was a huge challenge for me to look at things that way.

"When I came back to the States, I had changed. I began to realize that things will sort themselves out."

For Matthews, the discovery was a form of serenity. He learned to let things happen of their own volition. He learned not to force the issue.

Those are things that apply to golf.

"It has helped my patience level in golf," said Matthews, who is from Ada, near Grand Rapids. "I'm content when I'm on a golf course. My golf is better."

How Matthews ended up in South Africa is a story in itself.

Matthews earned his Canadian Tour card in September 2002. Two years ago, he was contemplating where he might play to transition from fall to spring and avoid the winter months. An acquaintance, Doug McGuigan, mentioned the Sunshine Tour, whose commissioner is Johan Immelman, the father of professional golfer Trevor Immelman. McGuigan is a South African who was playing on the Canadian Tour.

The Sunshine Tour is one of the six worldwide men's tours that comprise the International Federation of PGA Tours. It had 21 official money events this season, and its list of Order of Merit winners over the years includes Gary Player, Ernie Els, Mark McNulty, David Frost and Trevor Immelman.

"It's not a place I would have thought about," Matthews said. "I was halfway through my first season on the Canadian Tour and I told my dad I wanted to play more. The next day I played a practice round with Doug, and he told me about South Africa. It was just one of those things."

Matthews decided to give it a try and spent two tours of duty playing in South Africa.

His status as a pretournament qualifier made travel and planning dicey, but he made it into 11 events and survived the cut 10 times in the 2005-06 season. He played in 15 Sunshine Tour events the past two seasons and won 29,500 South African rand, the equivalent today of about $4,050 U.S. dollars.

It's not a lot of money but it has been invaluable in feeding Matthews' golfing database with experiences and information.

Matthews made it into a pair of European Tour events -- the South African Airways Open and the Dunhill Championship. The South African Airways Open is played at Fancourt, site of the 2003 Presidents Cup.

Matthews called Fancourt the toughest golf course he's ever seen.

After his return from South Africa in March, Matthews took some time off before playing a couple events on the Canadian Tour in British Columbia.

"I was on the run-down side," Matthews said at last week's Michigan Open, where he tied for 19th and won $1,275.

"I missed both cuts, but the rest helped and things started to improve."

Matthews will try the PGA Tour Qualifying School later this year. South Africa was worthwhile but the target remains unchanged -- the PGA Tour.

"That's the goal -- to focus attention over here," he said.

The 2006 Michigan Open Championship kicks off at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa on Monday, June 26th at 7:30am. The Championship will combine the best Amateur and Professional golfers in Michigan on The Bear and Wolverine golf courses. An expanded field of 258 players will compete over both courses the first 2 rounds before the field is cut to the 70th player (and ties). The final 2 rounds will be played on The Bear where the Champion will be crowned Thursday afternoon. Live scoring is available through igolftheworld.com by clicking HERE.

STOCKTON, California - Players will be California Dreamin’ this week as the Canadian Tour sets up shop on the west coast for the Northern California Classic presented by the City of Stockton.

Opening round action gets underway Thursday at the spectacular Brookside Country Club, with 144 players chasing the $100,000 US purse.

Defending champion Jim Seki will look to kick-start his season after a slow start. In 2005, Seki captured his first Tour title with a two-shot win over Rob Johnson, a three-time Canadian Tour champion.

But things have not gone as smoothly for Seki in the early stages of this season. The native of Palo Alto, Calif. missed both cuts in the season-opening swing in Austin, Texas.

Rob Oppenheim and Brian Guetz have used wins in Texas to become the early co-pacesetters for the Rolex Player of the Year Award, given to the Canadian Tour’s money leader at season’s end. Both will be in Stockton searching for a second win of the year as well as a $16,000 winner’s check.

Local charities will once again benefit from the Northern California Classic. Focused Sports and Entertainment, the tournament’s promoter, announced last week that the First Tee of Stockton and the Dameron Hospital Foundation will be the charity partners this week.

If Jason Higton is to notch his second Canadian Tour win, there is no better time than this week to get it done. Not only is Higton from Fresno, Calif. but the 2004 Corona Ixtapa Classic champion spent his college days at the University of the Pacific in Stockton. Matt Bettencourt of nearby Modesto and Stockton’s Ricky Barnes, the 2002 U.S. amateur champion who is playing this week on a sponsor’s exemption, will also be looking to win in their own backyard.

The Golf Channel will be in Stockton taping footage for the third episode of “Chasing The Dream”, the Canadian Tour’s new magazine show airing on the network known as “Golf’s Home”. The first airing of the Stockton show can be seen on Wed., March 29 at 6:00 pm EST (3:00 PST).

The Canadian Tour is live on The Golf Channel this week offering full, 4-round coverage of the 2006 Yes! Golf Barton Creek Challenge presented by BG Products. Airtimes are as follows:

Thursday 3/9 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM ET TGC
Friday 3/10 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM ET TGC
Saturday 3/11 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM ET TGC
Sunday 3/12 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM ET TGC

Tune in for this live television event!

The Canadian Tour is in Austin, TX this week at the Barton Creek Resort & Spa for the first of two events of the 2006 season, and Andy Matthews is looking to get off to a big start in the Lone Star State.

Played over both the Fazio Canyons and the Crenshaw Cliffside courses in the Texas hill country, Andy is looking to carry his momentum from the Telkom (South African) PGA Championship into this weeks Yes! Golf Barton Creek Classic.

After opening rounds of 71 and 67, Andy found himself in a tie for 14th place amongst the 158 player field at 4-under par. However a 2-over par 72 today (Thursday) has him back in a tie for 33rd place with tomorrow's final round to go.

AndyMatthews.com will be your place for full scores, news, and updates throughout the 2006 season as Andy 'Chases the Dream' on Tour this year. Please check back often as the remainder of this year's schedule is released!

After a short Holiday at home in America, Andy returns to South Africa for the final 4 events on the 2005/06 Sunshine Tour. With events scheduled in Sun City, the Wild Coast, Johannesburg, and Pretoria, and will have his work cut out for him to earn a fully-exempt card in Africa for the 2006/07 season. Currently sitting 115th on the Order of Merit, the top-50 players at the conclusion of the year earn fully-exempt status for next year. The top-120 professionals retain their non-exempt status for 2006/07.

Matthews successfully qualified for the Dimension Data Pro-Am held earlier this week at Kempton Park G.C. in Johannesburg with a 4-under par 68. 64 spots were up for grabs where Andy finished in a tie for 16th.

Unfortunately he missed the cut of +7 in Sun City with rounds of 80 and 81.
The Tour moves to the Wild Coast Sun Resort & Casino 2 hours south of Durban this week for the Nashua Masters. Play begins this Thursday, February 2. Stay tuned to AndyMatthews.com for updates!

On a day when bogies out-numbered birdies, Andy fought through tough conditions to secure a spot in the South African Airways Open Championship to be held this week on The Links at Fancourt in George, South Africa. This is his second European PGA Tour start in as many weeks.

Matthews' 1-over par 73 on the Montagu Course at Fancourt was bettered by only 4 players. Just 7 spots were available in yesterday's qualifier that fielded 110 players from across the globe, all fighting for a chance to tee it up with the likes of Ernie Els, Retief Goosen, Trevor Immelman, and defending champion Tim Clark.

Andy begins his run for the Championship tomorrow (Thursday) at 8:30am local time off the 10th tee. Live coverage can be found on the Golf Channel from 9am - 12pm Thursday through Sunday, with extended coverage at www.saaopen.com, or by visiting the European and Sunshine Tour websites.

In a round that included 8 birdies against only one bogey, Andy fired a 7-under par 65 in the 2005 Dunhill Championhsip pre-qualifier at Kepmton Park G.C. in Johannesburg. The Dunhill Championship, held at the Leopard Creek, G.C. in Melalane, will be Andy's first PGA Tour start since he qualified for the Buick Open in 1999 as an amateur. The field, headlined by South Africa's own Ernie Els and Trevor Immelman, will be competing for a purse of just over $1.5 million.

Television coverage will run from 9am-12pm Thursday through Sunday on The Golf Channel. You can also check out the online home of the 2005 Dunhill Championship at www.dunhillchampionship.co.za or the Sunhine Tour's website www.sunshinetour.co.za.

Check back often, there's more to come!

Heading into the final pre-qualifier on the 2005 Winter Tour, Andy Matthews was at the top of his game. Even having missed 2 cuts and failed 1 pre-q in the last 3 weeks, Andy knew he wasn't far off. "My game was there," Andy said. "There were simply a lot of variables that I was trying to control both on and off the golf course that I shouldn't have been and I got in my own way."

Following an 80 in the Vodacom Origins of Golf Tour Championship at The Links in Fancourt (home of the 2003 President’s Cup), Andy made some time for himself and his game. "I was getting a bit frustrated with myself and my game, and I knew I needed to do something different to turn things around." With that in mind he turned to the Senior Teaching Professional at the Fancourt Golf Academy, George Harvey for a check-up. "George simply reminded me of a few key thoughts that I had been working on at home with Charley (Vandenberg), and everything seemed to click back into place!"

Just 3 days after his final session at the Academy, Andy fired a 4-under par 68 at the Observatory G.C. in Johannesburg to earn a spot in the R500,000 Platinum Classic at Mooi Nooi G.C.. There Andy posted rounds of 67-70-69=206(-10) for a t12th place finish and an exemption into the Limpopo Classic to be played November 17-20, 2005 in Pietersburg, South Africa.

"Not having to pre-q for Pietersburg, or any tournament for that matter, is great. Now I can focus on winning the tournament itself and not worrying about the pre-q beforehand," Andy said. "Not to mention that Retief Goosen will be teeing it up that week!"

The Sunshine Tour received a commitment last week from the No. 4 ranked player in the world, Retief Goosen, to play the Limpopo Classic. The Limpopo Classic is played on Goosen's home course, Polokwane G.C.. "I'll be teeing it up with one of the best in the world." Andy commented when he heard the news of Retief's commitment. "What an exciting opportunity!"

The Limpopo Classic will be played in 3 weeks time (November 17-20), followed by 2 European Tour events co-sanctioned with the Sunshine Tour to round out the 2005 season.

It’s getting down to crunch-time for some year-end perks as the Bay Mills Open Players Championship waits over the horizon.

With the $200,000 event slated to run August 25-28 at Wild Bluff GC in Brimley, Mich., players will be jockeying for position on the money list heading into the season-ending Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort Pro Am Classic in September.

The Niagara Falls event, a Pebble Beach-format, will feature the top 76 players from the Order of Merit playing for $100,000 purse.

Players lingering near the top of the money list will be making a final charge to grab one of the top two spots after Michigan, earning a coveted exemption into the second stage of the three-tiered PGA Tour Qualifying School later this fall. With the entry deadline for PGA Qualifying September 7, those exemptions will be awarded after Bay Mills.

Also on the line will be six berths in the Bell Canadian Open next month in Vancouver. Once the final putt falls in Michigan, the top half dozen players will be guaranteed a spot in Canada’s national championship to be contested September 8-11.

Eight players—money leader Jaime Gomez, Peter Tomasulo, David Mathis, Michael Harris, Stuart Anderson, Derek Gillespie, Stephen Gangluff and Scott Gibson—have already be guaranteed an exemption into the Nationwide Tour’s Alberta Classic in Calgary later this month. The eight were the top leaders on the Canadian Tour money list following last week’s Montreal Open presented by Lexus.

Last summer, David Hearn of Brantford, Ont. used one of those exemptions to win his first Nationwide title in Calgary. Hearn is now into his rookie campaign on the PGA Tour.

Once the season wraps up in Niagara Falls, awards will be dished out to the Order of Merit and Stroke Average winners, Rookie of the Year and Most Improved Player.

In an attempt to recapture his 1999 magic at the annual Buick Open Qualifier, Andy fired a 3-under par 69 at Fieldstone G.C. in Auburn Hills to miss qualifying for the final spot by just 2 strokes. The leading 4 scorers earned spots into this week's PGA Tour Stop at Warwick Hills Golf and Country Club in Grand Blanc, MI.

Although Andy won't be inside the ropes as a player this week, he will be as a caddie. Fellow Wolverine and former teammate of Andy's, Michael Harris, earned a sponsor's exemption into the event. The Michigan duo will team up for the first time in the $4.6 million event that begins this Thursday (July 28).

By Greg Johnson
The Grand Rapids Press

Ada's Andy Matthews worked with his teacher, Charley Vandenberg, visited friends, went to a family wedding, saw a cousin graduate from dental school, and all in all made it a productive week home from his globe-trotting odyssey in professional golf.

Oh, and he topped it all with a 5-under-par 66, including a 5-under-30 on the back nine to take medalist honors by two shots in a U.S. Open local qualifier Monday at the Wuskowhan Players Club.

Matthews, a Canadian Tour player, amateur Lloyd Fisher of Grand Rapids, who shot 69, Grand Blanc pro Timothy Metko, who shot 68, and Frankenmuth club pro Brent Goik, who won a four-way playoff at 69, earned the four spots in sectional play scheduled for June 6.

Survivors of 36-hole sectionals earn spots in the U.S. Open June 16-19 at Pinehurst No. 2 in North Carolina.

"I played in the North and South Amateur at Pinehurst three times, and really enjoyed that course," said Matthews, who recently earned his playing card for the South African Tour. "I've sort of had this one on my radar for a long time. It's one I'd really like to play."

Fisher, 44, a past City champion, plans to attend a sectional in Chicago. He's excited about the opportunity for the national championship.

"I've been playing great the last six weeks, and I thought let's give in a try," he said. "I'm thrilled with the way I played."

Metko, who now works in the automotive industry in Sterling Heights, quit playing tour golf in 2001. A friend he has been teaching the game talked him into making the U.S. Open bid.

And Goik, a former Michigan State standout, beat two other former Spartans and a Traverse City area club pro in the four-way playoff at 69 with a birdie on the first extra hole.

The other former Spartans included Grandville's Eric Jorgensen, who is now a regular on the Hooters Tour. He birdied the second playoff hole to earn No. 1 alternate status.

In all, 79 golfers played for the four sectional spots.

Jorgensen, a past North and South Amateur winner, Big Ten individual winner and Michigan Tournament of Champions winner, had hoped to move on to sectional play.

"I have so many good memories of Pinehurst and the North and South," he said. "I needed a few more birdies."

Matthews, who nearly holed out at No. 18 for eagle and had other birdies at Nos. 10, 12, 14 and 15 on the back, missed the course record by three shots (63, Doug Hoey).

After carding 7 birdies against 4 bogies, Andy began the Foster Farms California Classic with a 3-under par 69 to sit in a tie for 11th place. Matthews made the turn in 2-under 34, then proceeded to fire a 1-under 35 on his second 9 that included 4 birdies, 3 bogies, and only 2 pars. "I had a great week of practice leading up to today," Matthews said. "I really focused my time on my golf swing as I wasn't able to practice the last few weeks because of my shoulder, and it's really paying off."

Following the Barton Creek Challenge and suffered from a sore shoulder that kept him off the golf course for nearly 3 weeks. With help from Dr. Ken French in Bonita Springs, FL and Dr. Josh Carloni in Stockton, CA, Andy is back in action!

Round 2 of the 2005 Foster Farms California Classic begins at 8:15am local time tomorrow, April 22. Nine and 18-hole scoring updates are available on the Canadian Tour's website throught the day. Check back tomorrow evening for more news and scores from California!

With a 2-over par 74 in the final round of the Southern Africa PGA Tour Qualifying Tournament Andy secured his card for the 2005/06 Sunshine Tour season. Competing amongst a field of 147 players, Andy carded rounds of 74-73-73-74 at the Leeuwkop Golf Club just outside Johannesburg. The leading 40 players (and ties) earned their playing privileges for the year.

With the Winter Section of the Sunshine Tour already beginning next week at the FNB Bank Botswana Open, Andy has chosen to fly back to the States to compete on the Canadian Tour during the North American summer until later in the year. With the Canadian Tour wrapping up in early September, Andy is tentatively planning on spending October, November, and December back in South Africa. "It's a fantastic Tour, and I've been very impressed with the professionalism and competition here in South Africa. I'm anxious to get back to the States, but will no doubt miss it here. I'll be looking forward to coming back later this year," Andy commented just prior to his departure back to the States.

Andy's travels will take him from Johannesburg, South Africa via Amsterdam and Minneapolis to Austin, TX for the Barton Creek Challenge Presented by Yes! Golf. Competition begins Thursday, March 17 and runs through Sunday, March 20. Tune in to www.cantour.com or The Golf Channel for full coverage of the event!

With a birdie on the 18th hole, Andy secured a start in his second consecutive Sunshine Tour event in South Africa. After failing to make the cut in the Nashua Masters, Andy enjoyed the week off with his parents while traveling to the Kruger National Park for a weekend of game drives and sight seeing.

It is now back to business as Andy has a 1pm local (6am EST) starting time today. Point your browser to www.sunshinetour.com for live scoring and updates throughout the day!

The Commissioner of the Canadian Tour, Ian Mansfield, announces today the renewal of the agreement with Championship Management Company, Inc. to jointly stage two tournaments in Mexico. The Corona Mazatlan Classic will be staged at the El Cid Golf & Country Club the week of May 2nd to May 8th followed by the Michelin Morelia Classic on May 9th to May 14th at the Tres Maria Golf Club. (Full Story)

Andy completed his 2004 PGA Tour Q-School campaign last Friday with a 5-over par 76 for a 297 total, and 63rd place. 83 players from around the world were competing for the top 23 places (including ties) for a spot in the 2nd stage of the famed PGA Tour Qualifying School. Andy was indeed disappointed with his performance, but it was everything off the off course that made the finish tolerable. "I had a great caddie in Paul Blanks (Champions Tour, Rodger Davis). We worked so well together, he kept encouraging me down to the last putt, and didn't let me quit."

Prior to Friday's final round, Andy tweaked his neck during his warm-up. "I got sick to my stomach as soon as it happened because I knew it wasn't good. My neck completely locked up, and I was in serious pain. I probably should have withdrawn from the tournament, but I'm glad I stuck it out."

Andy credits a successful year to all of his family and friends that have supported him along the way. "There is no way I could have done it without the continuous calls, emails, and prayers. Everyone makes a difference, and not to mention more fun!"

For now, Andy is back at his parent's home in Bonita Springs, FL recovering from last week, and looking ahead to 2005. He has no immediate tournament plans, but is in the process of securing a Temporary Playing Status on the South African Tour for January and February of 2005 before the Canadian Tour starts up in March.

Andy Matthews has secured a spot on the Canadian Tour for next year, though it's sort of a Plan B. Plan A is to move another step forward in his professional golf career. "At least I know I have a tour to play on, but I have other goals," he said after completing his first year as a professional golfer. (Click for full story.)

Andy finished his 2004 rookie campaign on the Canadian Tour at the Bay Mills Open Players Championship by making the cut and securing his Canadian Tour Card for the 2005 season. Rounds of 72-75-72-73/292 earned him $1,184 and a 78th place finish on the tour's Order of Merit. The top 80 money winners earn fully-exempt status for 2005, which will begin again in March at the Barton Creek Resort & Spa in Austin, TX.

However, the Canadian Tour will hopefully be absent from Andy's 2005 tour schedule as he has committed to compete in the PGA Tour Qualifying Tournament October 19-22, 2004 at the TPC of Tampa Bay in Tampa, FL. Andy will be among a field of approximately 80 players competing for the top 20 positions (including ties) for a spot in the second of three PGA Tour qualifying stages. Be sure to stay tuned to AndyMatthews.com for full scores and updates as Andy vies for a spot on the 2005 PGA Tour!

The Canadian Tour wraps up its four-week run through Western Canada when the TELUS Edmonton Open is staged in the Alberta capital. Players will take on The Derrick Golf and Winter Club in the Tour’s eleventh official event of 2004 with a $150,000 purse at stake. The champion will take home $24,000 Sunday afternoon. To see how the leaderboard is shaping up in Edmonton, please check out live scoring beginning Thursday morning.

MTS is making it easy for golf fans to stay on top of the action at the 2004 MTS Classic. Thanks to MTS Classic Real Time Scoring Technology, golf fans will be able to get the latest scores, read their favorite player’s full scorecard, or get detailed bios on all the players. To allow maximum flexibility for its users, MTS is offering three hi-tech, user-friendly ways for golf fans to stay in constant touch with what is happening at the 2004 MTS Classic.

For full details, click here. Or to go directly to the live scoring, click through to the official site of the MTS Classic!

Andy currently sits in a tie for 57th place after carding an even-par 71 in the third round of the Greater Vancouver Classic at Mayfair Lakes G.C. in Richmond, BC, Canada. Andy opened the tournament with scores of 70-73 to make the cut on the number. Three players are tied for the lead at -10, with several competitors right on their heels. Andy plays tomorrow at 8:48am local time. Check back later tomorrow evening for full scores and updates from the event!

Andy opened the 2004 Victoria Times-Colonist Open with a 2-under par 70 to sit in a tie for 16th place amongst the 156 play field. Andy's round consisted of hitting 16 of 18 greens and only 3 missed fairways. When asked what the key to his round was, Andy replied without hesitation, "It was my putter. I had a very productive week in Michigan with my coach Charley Vandenberg where we spent nearly all our time on the practice green. I've learned an entirely new way to putt, I understand what I'm doing, and I am excited to be seeing the results so quickly." Andy's second round begins Friday morning at 8:40am local time (11:40am EST) off the 10th tee. Stay tuned to AndyMatthews.com and the Canadian Tour for full scoring updates and results.

Andy posted a one-over par 73 in the second round of the 2004 Lewis Chitengwa Memorial Championship to sit just one shot outside the projected cut of 145 (+1). Andy completed his final 6 holes this morning, as play resumed at 7:30am local time. A lone bogie amongst 5 pars proved to be the one he needed to continue play this weekend. "I was grinding all the way in. I hit great shots, burned a few edges for birdie, but simply could not get the ball in the hole." When asked what he will do from here, Andy mentioned that he "would be driving back to Michigan for the week to regroup, relax, and enjoy some time with family and friends before flying out to Vancouver with his parents June 20th."

Andy's next stop on the Canadian Tour will be the Victoria Open in beautiful Victoria, British Columbia. It will be Andy's first trip to the northwest, and in his words, "I could not be more excited!" Stay tuned to AndyMatthews.com for more news and updates from the road.

Andy opened the 2004 Lewis Chitengwa Memorial Championship with a 1-over par 73 to sit in the middle of the pack. Great ball striking and a few key putts led to a 1-under par 35 on Andy's first nine, the Championship course's back nine. Bogies on holes 1, 2, and 3 put him at +2 for the tournament before making birdie on the par-5 ninth.

Play was suspended due to darkness with 7 groups still on the course. Play is expected to begin at 7:15am local time with round 2 to be completed as scheduled. Stay tuned to AndyMatthews.com and the Canadian Tour for scoring and news throughout the week!

Andy's bid for a start in the 2004 U.S. Open fell short today after he posted a 1-over par 73 in the first stage of qualifying for this year's national championship. Only 4 players advanced from the 67-player field that competed at Hunter's Green C.C. in Tampa, FL. A birdie-birdie-birdie finish was too little too late, and Andy's hopes of playing his first U.S. Open will have to wait for next year. "It is frustrating, but I am proud of the way I hung in there today. I could have very easily coasted in, but I never let up. I grinded this one out and my efforts were definitely rewarded." Andy's never-give up attitude landed him in 20th position for the day. (Full-field results can be found by clicking through to the Florida State Golf Association's website.)

Next up on Andy's schedule is the Lewis Chitengwa Memorial Championship presented by Aventis. The 7th stop on the Canadian Tour will be June 10-13 in Wintergreen, VA, just 30 minutes from the University of Virginia outside Charlottesville. Check back next week as Andy continues his rookie season on the Canadain Tour!

Andy carded a 1-under par 71 today to sit at -6 (138) just one shot off the lead set by Rob McMillan. Rounds 3 and 4 are to be played this weekend, with Andy playing in the final group Saturday at 10:15am local time. Be sure to follow-up this weekend as there are sure to be some exciting events ahead!

Andy fired a 5-under par 67 today in the first round of the 2004 Michelin Guadalajara Classic to open up in a tie for second place just two shots off the pace set by first round leader Mario Tiziani. Stay tuned to AndyMatthews.comand the Canadian Tourfor full coverage of this weeks event.

Andy is headed south of the border for his next two events in his rookie season on the Canadian Tour. Week one will take him to Guadalajara for the Michelin Guadalajara Classic, and week two will be held at the Palma Real Golf Club in the resort city of Ixtapa. Both events will have a purse of CDN$175,000, with the winner's share set at CDN$28,000.

Since his return to Florida, Andy has spent his time practicing at Shadow Wood Country Club where he and his parents are members. When asked about his short break, Andy mentioned a focus on putting. "My putting obviously held me back in California. If I had holed a few more putts, not only would I have made both cuts, I would have had a pair of great finishes. So I simply put a fair amount of time in on the practice greens to get me where I need to be, and I feel confident about the progress I made in the short time that I had."

Following Mexico, Andy will focus his energy on the qualifying tournaments for the U.S. Open. He is committed to play the local qualifier May 24th in Tampa, FL, with the sectional tournament being held in Maryland the first week in June. Be sure to stay tuned to andymatthews.com for updates and news from Andy's progress on Tour!

Andy completed his first round of the 2004 eLoan Central Valley Classic with a disappointing 77 (+5). High winds and a shaky putter put him on his heels early on. A first nine 40 included three 3-putt bogies, a double bogey at the difficult par-5 16th, and a lone birdie on 18. A solid second nine (the Brookside C.C.'s front-9) included 1 birdie against 2 bogies.

Andy plays tomorrow at 1:05pm local time, where the field will then be cut to the low 60 players plus ties.

The golf channel has infiltrated the Brookside Country Club this week and is scheduled to televise the 2004 Central Valley Classic presented by eLoan. Live coverage is expected to begin at 5pm ET Thursday through Sunday, with replays airing at midnight following Golf Central. Be sure to tune in and watch as Andy searches for his first win on the 2004 Canadian Tour!

A second round 81 has Andy back in the pack amongst the 155 player field at the 2004 Greater Sacramento Open, and Andy's first missed cut on the Canadian Tour looms on the horizon. "It was a very difficult day for me. The golf Gods really put me to test today, and unfutunately I wasn't able to bounce back after a few bad swings," Andy said after carding 5 bogies, a double-bogey, and triple bogey in round 2. "I don't believe the score I shot because I don't feel like I played that bad. Just a few big numbers really got me." When asked what positives he can take from this week, he responded, "Every shot, every hole, every round I learn more about myself and my game. It's all about experience out here, and some days the experience is a little easier to handle than others."

Andy will use the unexpected weekend off to prepare for next week's event in Stockton, California, just 45 minutes south of Sacramento.

Andy opened the Greater Sacramento Open with a 2-over par round of 73 that included 3 birdies against 5 bogies. Andy currently sits in a tie for 45th place with a handful of golfers still on the course due to darkness. Play resumes at 7:15am local time with Andy teeing it up at 8:05am. Check back this afternoon for a full update on rounds 1 and 2!

After a 4-week hiatus, the Canadian Tour resumes its 2004 schedule in Sacramento, California for a pair of events. The Greater Sacramento Open is slated to begin tomorrow, with the e-Loan Central Valley Classic scheduled to begin next week in nearby Stockton, CA at the Brookside Country Club. Andy has committed to compete in both events, so be sure to stay tuned to andymatthews.com and the Canadian Tour's official website, www.cantour.com for full news and scoring updates throughout the week.

The first round of the Barton Creek Challenge has been washed out. Tournament officials decided at 1pm local time that the course was in an unplayable condition and that the tournament was to be shortened to 54-holes. Play will begin tomorrow as scheduled. Stay tuned to the Canadian Tourfor scoring (9 and 18-hole updates only) and tournament details.

Round 1 of the Barton Creek Challenge has been suspended due to wet course conditions and severe weather. No players have begun their rounds as play was scheduled to begin at 7:15am local time. Tournament officials are expected to make an announcement at 12:15pm. Stay tuned to andymatthews.com for details and updates.

Play was called at approximately 6:30pm local time due to darkness, and Andy is staring down a 6-foot birdie putt on the 18th green (his 9th hole of the day) to move to -2 on the day and Even for the tournament.

With birdies on holes 12 and 17 against only 1 bogey (hole 14), Andy is confident in his game. "I came out today very strong. I hit it close on the first 3 holes but made only one birdie. I'm hitting it very well, and rolling the ball exceptionally well. I just need to continue to be patient and stay in the moment."

Play is expected to resume early Saturday morning with nearly half the field still on the golf course. Stay tuned to the Canadian Tour's LIVE SCORING for scoring updates throughout the day.

Round 1 of the 2004 Barton Creek Classic was suspended due to darkness at 6:43pm local time with 15 players still on the golf course. Play was scheduled to resume at 7:30am Friday morning but encountered a frost delay that has pushed round 2 starting times back over 2 hours.

"I won't finish my round today, simple as that. We'll maybe finish 12 holes before darkness sets in on us, too," Andy commented on the Tour's decision to delay play. "There is nothing you can do when there is frost on the ground, it destroys the grass if you walk on it. It apparantly was much colder this morning than it was for us yesterday, which my play in my favor, but nonetheless I still have to go out and play my game."

Andy's 1:06pm starting time has been pushed back to 3:21pm local time. Follow LIVE SCORING throughout the day, and tune in to the Golf Channel from 4-6pm EST for full coverage. More news and updates will be available this evening on andymatthews.com.

Through 4 events Andy sits in a tie for 6th place on the 2004 Gulf Coast Gold Tour Official Money List with $2,900. Andy is gaining momentum for the Canadian Tour as he has earned checks in his last 3 starts. "I am pleased with the way my game has progressed the last few weeks. The work I have put in is starting to pay off, and I feel like I will be right where I need to be come the season opener in Austin, TX." Andy plans to play week 5 and 6 on the Gulf Coast Gold Tour before heading off to Texas with brother Scott on the bag to kick-off the 2004 season at the famed Barton Creek Resort in Austin, TX. Stay tuned to andymatthews.com for updates and The Golf Channel as the Austin Classic is scheduled to be televised the week of February 23.

For the past two weeks Andy has competed on the Gulf Coast Gold Tour's Winter Series in preparation for his season opener on the Canadian Tour. "I didn't feel 100% comfortable at the BECK's qualifier, so I decided it was in my best interest to get a few competitive rounds under me before I head to Austin (Texas)," Andy commented on his decision to play the Southwest Florida mini-tour. Not only has Andy competed, he has played well and, in Andy's words, "finally" earned his first check as a professional. We know this is just the first of many for Andy and we wish him the best of luck!

Andy has registered to compete among 80 players for 5 spots in the 2004 BECK's Open. The qualifier and championship rounds will be played over the Donald Ross designed Fort Myers Country Club. Play begins Tuesday morning off the first tee. Check back Tuesday afternoon for the update!

Wishing you and your family a joyous holiday season and a prosperous new year! - Andy

Since PGA Tour Qualifying School earlier this fall, Andy has been living in the Naples/Ft. Myers, Florida area and practicing at Shadow Wood Country Club. He has spent the majority of his time focusing on a strict training diet and exercise regimen to prepare his body for the grueling Tour schedule that is just around the corner. "With my first event on the Canadian Tour a mere two months away, I felt it was in my best interest to focus on my physical health and allow an opportunity for my golfing mind and body recover. Getting in shape will allow me to commit to the practice schedule I need to give myself the best opportunity to compete, and more importantly win, on Tour this year." The first two events on the 2004 Canadian Tour schedule are slated for February 23-29 and March 1-7 at the Barton Creek Resort in Austin, TX and are expected to be televised by The Golf Channel. Details on the remainder of the season and the Texas swing will be posted as soon as they are made available to the Players.

A final round 72 (+1) left Andy on the outside looking in on the top 21. A quick start found Andy at -1 through 5 only to play the next 5 at +3. A 15 foot par save on the par-3 11th preceded a run of 3 birdies on numbers 12, 13, and 14 to get Andy back at level-par for the round and the tournament. A closing bogey on the difficult par-4 18th put him in a tie for 27th position at 285, 5 shots off the cut. "I am a little disappointed," Andy said. "I know I belong out here, I know I have the game to compete on this level, I just didn't have it this week when I needed it. Even more frustrating is the fact that I have to wait 12-months before I have another shot at this thing." Andy will spend the remainder of 2003 in Florida gearing up for the 2004 Canadian Tour to begin late February in Austin, TX.

On Thursday, Andy fired a third round 71 (even) to remain at even-par for the tournament. Although a closing bogey at 18 was disappointing, Andy remains in good position entering the final day of stage 1. The top 21 and ties after tomorrow's round four will advance to stage 2 of PGA Tour Qualifying School. Check back later today for Andy's round 3 scorecard and tomorrow for final results!

A second round 72 (+1) in moderate winds finds Andy at even-par 142 for the tournament through 2 rounds. Andy adds, "My putter is keeping me in it, and that's a nice change. Normally that is what is holding me back. With my ball striking coming around the way it is the next two rounds should be exciting!" Andy's round was much steadier today, with 2 birdies aginst only 1 bogey and 1 double bogey. "The double was made with my two best swings of the tournament thus far, so it makes it a little easier to handle," Andy commented about his lone double of the tournament. "I flew the 13th green with a wedge and my ball found some of the worst rough on the course." Groupings for the 3rd round have yet to be posted, but stay tuned to andymatthews.com for more Q-School coverage!

Andy started his quest for a 2004 PGA Tour Card with birdies on 2 of his first 3 holes. A few mistakes drew him back to +2 through 11 holes before playing his final 7 holes in 3-under par for a 1-under par (70) total. "It's great to have this round under my belt, and having it under-par makes it that much better. I did not strike the ball well today but managed to stay patient and roll in a few key putts down the stretch," Andy commented today following his round at the TPC of Tampa Bay. "I worked a few things out on the practice tee this afternoon and I feel confident heading into tomorrow's round," he added. Andy plays at 9:40am Wednesday off the 1st tee. Check back for updates!

Next Tuesday, Andy will be competing in the PGA Tour qualifying tournament in Tampa Bay, Florida at the Tournament Players Club of Tampa Bay.

Click here to view the field and check back next week for updates!

Mother Nature had her way with the Royal Ashburn Golf Club and play was called at approximately 10am Friday morning. A 4:30 rain delay ensued, only to have players find the course unplayable again at 2:30pm. Canadian PGA Tour officials called play for the day and tournament complete at 2:40pm. By this decision, Andy has earned his full-exempt Canadian PGA Tour card for the 2004 season. Full results can be found at the Canadian Tour's website, www.cantour.com.

Andy dubbed this round, "The Tale of Two Nines." Having played the first 8 holes in 4-over par, Andy managed to find his groove by making 5 birdies in his final 10 holes to move into the top-15. "I stayed very patient, even when it was becoming very difficult for me to do so. I hit the ball great all day, and the putter finally followed the other 13 clubs in my bag. I could not be more excited about my finish and the fact that I am now inside the top-15." Weather reports are calling for rain and 40mph winds all day tomorrow (Friday). If the lead groups off each tee are unable to complete the 5th round Friday, Canadian Tour officials have notified players that it will be shortened to a 72-hole tournament.

Despite holing a 180-yard five iron on the par-4 10th hole, Andy finished the inward nine with four bogies to post a 1-over par 73. Andy's 73 moved him from a tie at the 21st position up to the 16th spot with one other player. With remnants of Hurricane Isabel expected to hit the Toronto area Friday night, officials have notified players that tomorrow's round could finalize the tournament. Details will be posted as soon as they are made available.

A second round 76 allowed 18 players to move ahead of Andy, where he now finds himself in a tie for 21st place. Four bogies and one triple-bogey outweighed three birdies in his rollercoaster round. "I simply need to stay patient. I am hitting the ball extremely well and making the putts I need to. As long as I keep giving myself chances I have nothing to worry about right now," Andy added. Players will be repaired according to score for tomorrow's third round, slated to start at 7:30am.

Battling the wind and rain, Andy fired a 1-under par 71 to open the 2003 Canadian PGA Tour Fall Qualifying tournament to find himself in a tie for 3rd place among the 111 player field. An early morning starting time allowed Andy to finish his round with only a short rain delay, while the remaining half of the field was unable to complete their rounds. Play resumes at 7:30AM Tuesday (9/16), with Andy playing at 2:06PM off the 10th tee.

It's hard to believe that August is upon us and that my amateur golf career is coming to a close. Since the North & South Amateur I competed in a qualifier for the U.S. Amateur, the Michigan PGA Tournament of Champions, and the Western Amateur. Although all showed glimpses of greatness I was unable to break through. (The results are fully updated in the schedule section of the site.) My final amateur tournament will be the GAM Championship held at Grand Haven G.G. August 11-13, 2003. Stay tuned for more updates! I wish you all the best! - Andy

Andy fired a 2-under par 69 in the final round of qualifying for the 2003 North & South Amateur to sit in a tie for 17th place. Highlited by an eagle on the 516 yard par 5 16th, Andy added 4 birdies against 4 bogies to qualify the 32-man match play field. Matches begin tomorrow (Wednesday, 7/2/2003) at 7:30am. Follow the day's happenings at www.pinehurst.com.

Andy battled through a 2-hour rain delay to post an even par 72 in the first round of the 2003 North & South Amateur at the Pinehurst Resort in Pinehurst, NC. Three birdies in his final three holes moved Andy into a tie for 38th among the 118 player field. The second round will be played tomorrow on the famed Pinehurst No. 2 course, host to the 1999 and 2005 United States Open Championships.

Hitting all 14 fairways, Andy fired a 69 to sit one shot behind the lead midway through the first round of the 2003 Michigan Open Championship at The Bear in Traverse City, Michigan.

Andy will tee it up for round 2 tomorrow at 12:48 PM. Visit the Michigan Open live scoring to follow Andy's round and the tournament as it happens.

Next week (5/20-5/29) Andy will travel to Scotland for the St. Andrews Links Trophy Championship. The international event will be contested over the Old and New courses at the famed St. Andrews Golf Links. Tournament updates will be posted as soon as possible!

With cousin Tim Mairn on the bag, Andy ventured into the first stage of qualifying for this year's U.S. Open Championship. Starting on #10 Andy came out firing. He did not miss a fairway and hit all 9 greens to turn at 1-under-par 35. The irons cooled down a bit, and the putter that was cold went to ice as Andy came in with 38 to post a 1-over-par 73. "It was a bitter sweeet day. My ball striking was on fire and my putter was the 'polar' opposite. It was a very frustrating day on the greens to say the least."

Andy's summer schedule has been posted! Click through to the "Schedule" section of andymatthews.com to see where Andy will be playing throughout the summer. (Follow the link on the bottom of the page to view the entire schedule at once.)

Times have been busy in the Matthews Camp, and I promise updates are on the way! We are in the process of evaluating the site, and will hopefully have new features (and a new look) before too long. In the mean time I hope everyone is doing well! All the best! - Andy

This qualifier is being played Monday, August 5, at Fieldstone CC in Auburn Hills, MI. 116 contestants are vying for the four available spots for this PGA Tour event being played at Warwick Hills CC later this week. In 1999, Andy shot a 68 to earn a spot in this event. A new putter went into the bag after searing to many edges in the last month of tournaments.

Andy played in the Western Amateur at Point O'Woods Golf & Country Club in Benton Harbor, MI the week of July 31. This course was designed by Robert Trent Jones and plays to 7,014 yards with a course rating of 76 and slope of 144. Andy carded a 73 in the first round tying him for 62nd place in a field of 156. Thursday's round of 77 left him shy of the low 50 and ties who advanced to 36 holes of stroke play on Friday. The field is then cut to the Sweet 16 and match play commences. Details at www.wga.com

Andy struggled in today's first round and carded 76 but finished very strong in his second round with a 4 under par 68 for a total score of 144. Only three individuals will qualify out of the field of 84. Low score for the day is 139 followed by two scores at 141. All scores are not yet posted as play is still in progress. We're off to the Western Amateur at Point 'O Woods in Benton harbor, MI next week.

Great match this morning against Tim Wilkinson of New Zeeland,the #2 seed in the tournament. Unfortunately we were on the wrong end of the 1-up match and did not advance to the Sweet 16. 108 contestants were invited to the tournament. Played very well in the 96 degree temperature and sunshine. We're off to the shore in Wilmington, NC for the rest of the week. Back home soon.

Made it to match play with a score of 72-73=145. The cut to the low 32 from 108 contestants was at 145. Andy will play Tim Wilkinson of New Zeeland in his first match tomorrow. Tee time is 8:42AM. Weather is 95 degrees and humid. Updates later tomorrow or go to Pinehurst.com for more information.

We are in Pinehurst, NC for the North & South Amateur Championship. Andy carded a 72 on the par 71 (7,076 yards)#2 course on which Payne Stewart won the 1999 U.S. Open. You should see the history in this clubhouse and grounds. He's tied for 18th. Needs to finish in the top 32 to advance to match play. Tee time tomorrow is around noon. This course is unbelieveable and a real joy and challenge to play. Sunday's practice round flag was in the same spot that Payne made the winning putt.

Andy's opponent was Andrew Ruthkowski. Although Andy hit 14 of 17 greens, the putts were just on the edges this afternoon. A few of these were needed to change the outcome, a 2 and 1 loss. Great birdie runs were made on 15, 16 and 17 but we came up short. No Michigan Amateur Championship this year. We're off to dinner to celebrate a great tournament that just needed a few more inches of putting surface to carry us into the Final Four. Thanks for all of your interest. We're off to the North South Amateur at Pinehurst #2 during the week of the 4th of July.

Andy's opponent in the Sweet 16 round was Brad Ward, a student at Lake Superior State from Okemos. He went to the same high school as Michael Gietzen, Andy's cousin. Brad put up five birdies compared to Andy's eight birdies in sixteen holes. Andy won the mnatch 4 and 2. Andy hit all sixteen grrens in this match. He advances to the round of the Elite Eight.

In the second round of match play Andy's opponent was Eric Jorgenson of MSU who recently won the Big Ten Championship and finished 17th in the NCAA Championships. He is also a good friend which made this matchup very difficult. It really should have been a semi-final or final match in this Championship. Eric was 2-up after 2 holes but Andy brought it back to even after 8 holes. A bogey by Andy on 13 after taking a penalty for an unplayable lie put him one down. A birdie on 15 brought the match back to even. A great 20 foot birdie on 16 kept the match even. Pars were the result on #17 as both missed 10-15 foot birdie putts. All even going into 18. Andy's second shot on the par 5 left him right and short of the green. His chip shot ended up within 6 inches of the hole for his 4th birdie on the back side and the win. An absolutely exciting match with adrenalin flowing big time. All involved were exhausted. The win advanced Andy to the Sweet 16 once again and time to recuperate at the awards recognit

Andy won his first round of match play against Dave Schultz 5 and 4. The match went 14 holes during which Andy hit 10 of 11 fairways and 13 of 14 greeens. Very solid play resulting in 5 birdies. We're off to the second round of match play this afternoon.

Andy's new irons are obviously becoming more comfortable to him as he carded a 4-under par 68 today to tie for 2nd place in stroke play. The tie makes him the #4 seed in the tournament compared to #8 last year when he won the Championship. He is matched against David Schultz in the first round of match play. The match is scheduled to tee off at 10:34AM. Go to www.gam.org for details of the brackets and the road to the Michigan Amateur Campionship.

First round of the Michigan Amateur is now history as Andy carded a 1-under par 71. The round included 5 birdies. Final results for all 156 players are not yet available. Tomorrow's tee time is 1:30PM. John Burnside is once again Andy's caddie. A great combination for another Championship run. Andy has his new Titleist 690MB irons in the bag. He first played them two weeks ago in the Sunnehanna Tournament of Champions.

The Michigan Amateur returns to the CC of Jackson for the first time since 1989. This historic course, which opened in 1916, was designed by Donald Ross protege' Arthur Hamm. The event features two days of stroke play and three days of match play. After two days of stroke play, 64 players move on. 8 rounds of golf in five(5) days. In order to capture the coveted Staghorn trophy, you not only have to play well, you have to play well for five consecutive days. After his win last year at the Flint Golf Club, Andy said: "This is the best golf I've played by far for a solid week." That is exactly what it takes to win. We'll be doing our best to update you this week. The GAM will also have updates at www.gam.org

This was the 49th Annual Sunnehanna Amateur Tournament of Champions held in Johnstown, PA. This is an invitational tournament that hosts the top players in the country. Previous participants include numerous Masters, U.S. Open, PGA and British Open Champions (Nicklaus, Palmer, Leonard, Woods, Strange, Couples, Crenshaw, etc.)

I hope all of you had a great winter and are looking forward to a great year as much as I am. Please bear with me as we are in the middle of updating the site. As many of you have noticed, the schedule for the 2002 season has yet to be posted, and due to a few technical issues, I have yet to add results from last fall. But in the mean time, you can follow my progress on the UofM website, http://www.mgoblue.com. Hope to see you all soon! GO BLUE!

It has been a while since I have had the opportunity to update the site, but among papers and mid-terms I know you can all understand. The Thanksgiving holiday is fast approaching, and with that comes a chance to relax and catch up. In that time I will hopefully have a chance to complete the updates for the fall season. In the mean time, have a great holiday season! - Andy

Today, September 23, 2001 I made my second career hole-in-one! My playing partners Andrew Chapman, Kyle Kilcherman, and Dave Nichols (Coach Klum) were all just as stunned as I was when my 3-Wood from 259 yards on the infamous Par 3 12th went in the cup. What a way to start my preparation for the 2001 Wolverine Invitational!

And yet one more change in the wake of the recent past. The Wolverine North Invitational will have an added twist, and may quite become one of the most memorable collegiate tournaments in history. Due to the change in the football schedule, the Michigan/Illinois game was moved on top of the Wolverine Invitational (September 28-30). The tournament schedule will now be as follows:

Friday (9/28/2001) – Round 1, followed by “Smokehouse Blues” cookout.

Saturday (9/29/2001) – Michigan vs. Illinois football (tickets provided to players and coaches).

Sunday (9/30/2001) – Round 2 (Final).

This is going to be a great event, one that you shouldn’t miss! The team is looking great, and we’re excited for the upcoming year. Come support the Maize & Blue as we begin our quest for the 1st BigTen Championship in men’s golf in 50 years! Go Blue! - Andy

A lot has gone on in the last few weeks, and I just wanted to give everyone an update from this end. Per the request of many of you, I'm going to begin writing the news updates. I feel that this will allow me to give all of you a better understanding of what is really going on in my golf world.

As a result of the tragedy last week, the PSINet Collegiate hosted by the University of Minnesota was cancelled. This was a relief to many of us, as we really didn't want to get on an aircraft only days after the attacks. Coach Carras however, moved quickly to add another tournament to our fall schedule. Thanks to his swift work, we will now be playing the Duke Classic at the Duke University Golf Club (October 14-15).

Have a great week! - Andy

Andy and the University of Michigan Men's Golf Team will open up the 2001-2002 season by heading to Verona, Wisconsin for the University of Wisconsin's Badger Invitational. The 54-Hole/15-Team Invitational will be contested at the 6,888 Yard, Par 72 University Ridge Golf Club. The field will feature 7 BigTen schools as well as four 4 teams from District IV. We wish the Wolverines the best of luck!

The University of Michigan's fall schedule for the 2001-2002 campaign has been posted in the schedule section of andymatthews.com. Be sure to check your calendars and come support the Maize & Blue. Andy and the Wolverines thank you for all of your support! GO BLUE!

Andy could not have drawn his plan to qualify for the US Amateur any better. Yesterday, August 2, Andy qualified for his first United States Amateur Championship. Rounds of 70/67-137 earned him co-medallist honors along with a direct ticket to Atlanta, Georgia (August 20-26). Andy’s putter (which is beginning to make a name for itself) turned hot once again as it carried Andy to 5 birdies and no bogies in the final 9 holes of the tournament. Be sure to check the details of Andy’s round, as in his words, “May have been the best nine holes of golf I’ve played under pressure.”

Next, Andy travels to the Fieldstone Golf Club of Auburn Hills for yet another qualifier. On Monday, August 6 Andy attempts to qualify for the 2nd PGA Tour event of his career. We wish him luck!

Earlier this week Andy decided to withdraw from the 2001 Western Amateur Championship. "I want to give myself the best chance to qualify for the US Amateur. This is an exceptionally busy time of year, and the date of the US Amateur qualifier unfortunately coincides with that of the Western. Therefore, It is in my best interest to withdraw from the Western Amateur."

Andy's US Amateur qualifier is to be played this Thursday, August 2, 2001. Check back Thursday to see if Andy earned a spot in the 2001 US Amateur Championship to be held at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, GA.

Next, Andy heads to Kalamazoo, MI for the Kalamazoo Country Club Better Ball Invitational. "KCC" is Andy's chance to lie back, relax, and have a little fun on the golf course with fellow University of Michigan teammates and friends from around the country. Results from the Invitational will not be posted on andymatthews.com, but can be found at www.mlive.com.

Andy's bid for a second championship title of the 2001 summer came 1 shot short. An exciting finish put Andy only 2 shots behind with only the 72nd hold of the tournament to play. His playing partner, eventual champion Steve Wheatcroft, hit his tee shot into the hazard and opened the door for Andy.

Andy's final round heroics were put to an end when his 174-yard 8 iron flew the green and left him in a position where par was his only option. "I hit the shot exactly how I wanted. I guess there was a little more wind at my back and a little more adrenaline running through my veins than I anticipated," Andy commented. "I am in no way disappointed with my finish, I just wish I could have picked up a couple more birdies out there. That is what next year is for."

This week, Andy has been in Chesterton, Indiana for the Northern Amateur Championship. After opening with a 74 (T26/75) on Monday, Andy caught fire on Tuesday and Wednesday. On Tuesday, a back-nine 30 consisting of four birdies and an eagle propelled Andy to a career low 67, moving him into 6th place alone. On Wednesday, Andy went one better shooting a pair of 3-under 33's for a total of 66 which moved him into a tie for first with one round remaining. His round consisted of five birdies, an eagle, and a lone bogey. Check back tomorrow for final tournament results as Andy goes for his second title of the summer!

Andy's appearance in the 2001 North & South Amateur was short-lived. First-round match play opponent Brandt Snedeker of Nashville, TN defeated Andy 3&2 on the famed No. 2 course at Pinehurst. A few missed short putts sent Andy back to Grand Rapids with some much needed time off.

Andy leaves July 15 for the Northern Amateur in Chesterton, Indiana. Be sure to check back soon as results will be posted as soon as they are made available.

Today Andy completed the stroke play portion of the North & South Amateur in Pinehurst, NC. Shooting 72 Monday on Pinehurst No. 2 and 73 Tuesday on Pinehurst No. 8 placed Andy tied for 22nd out of 86 players. With 9 players tied at 145, Andy qualified for match play on the number. Having been seeded 29th, his first round match will be tomorrow morning on Pinehurst No. 2. Check back tomorrow afternoon for results from Andy's first match!

Many of you have inquired about the North & South Amateur web site. After a little digging through www.pinehurst.com we have reached the official website of the North & South Amateur. By clicking on the bold link, andymatthews.com will direct you to that page. Have a great weekend!

It is safe to say that Day 2 of the 2001 Michigan Open was much smoother for Andy, at least for 12 holes. "Not having your 'A Game' at The Bear is not fun. Once The Bear bites, it doesn't let go." Andy's first post-Michigan Amateur appearance resulted in rounds of 80-76=156 to miss the 36-hole cut by 3. "No worries, I have 2 more days up here in Traverse City to enjoy my (Michigan) Amateur win and spend some much needed time on the beach."

Andy continues his play the week of July 2 in Pinehurst, North Carolina at the North and South Men's Amateur Championship. The North and South Amateur is also a match play event, and Andy is really looking forward to the event. Results will be posted upon the completion of play each day, so stay tuned!

Believe it or not, with only a single day of rest Andy continued his summer campaign today with the first round of the Michigan Open. Tired legs and a few bad breaks lead to an opening round 80. Play continues tomorrow at 12:45PM on the 10th tee. You can follow Andy's round with live scoring at the Michigan Open at www.igolftheworld.com. Stay tuned to andymatthews.com for more updates and scores from the Michigan Open.

Well, as many of you have heard, Andy clinched the 2001 Michigan Amateur Championship with wins over Kevin VandenBerg of Mattawan (3&2) and Brent Goik of Bay City (4&2) on the final day of competition. Andy's play was incredible as he played 129 competitive holes at 24-under par. In Andy's words, "This is the best I've played thus far in my career, no doubt. I drove the ball well, hit my irons crisp, and rolled the ball so pure it was easy to make putts."

If you would like to personally congratulate Andy on his win, you can email him at admatthe@umich.edu.

At the conclusion of Day 2 of the stroke play portion of the 2001 Michigan Amateur Championship, Andy found himself as the 8th seed as a result of a 3-under par round of 69 Wednesday for a two round total of 140 (-4). Andy defeated his first two opponents Michael Cairns and Jim Rowe 2&1, and 5&4 respectively to earn his 4th consecutive "Sweet 16" appearance. Andy is matched Friday morning with 1997 Michigan Amateur Champion and Flint Golf Club member John Lindholm. Their match begins at 8:10AM, with the quarterfinal match to begin shortly after. Check back this evening, as results will be posted as soon as possible!

Day 1 of the 90th Michigan Amateur Championship is in the books, and Andy posted a 1-under par 71. There are only 5 players ahead of Andy in this year's 156-player field. Andy's round is posted in the schedule section of andymatthews.com. Play continues tomorrow at 1:39PM.

Andy traveled to Flint this past Saturday to begin his preparation for the 90th Michigan Amateur Championship to be contested in Flint, Michigan at Flint Golf Club. Andy is working diligently on his scoring game as the layout stretches to a mere 6,671 yards. Stroke play begins Tuesday, so be sure to check back often, as results will be posted upon the completion of play.

Andy's first showing at the US Open sectionals did not go as well as everyone had hoped. Andy fired rounds of 81-76/157 to place him back in the pack. The field was highlighted by the PGA Tour's Fred Couples, Gary Nicklaus, John Cook, Frank Nobilo, and Scott McCarron, just to name a few. However, Andy did not come home empty handed. He had an incredible experience playing two fine golf courses while being reminded of the commitment that must be made to have a successful career on the PGA Tour. He thanks all of you for your support!

In his third attempt at US Open qualifiying, Andy tallied 7 birdies and 5 bogies on his way to co-medalist honors earning him a trip to the sectional tournament June 4th and 5th in Columbus, Ohio. A sluggish putter turned hot on the second nine as 5 of Andy's 7 birdies came in the final 9 holes. Andy is off until the US Open Sectional, which is followed by the Michigan Amateur, Michigan Open, and the North and South Amateur to round out the June schedule. Stay tuned to andymatthews.com as results are being added every day!

...to all of you you came out and watched the Fossum/Spartan Invitational, thank you! You all know who you are. It is so great to see friends and family out pulling for the Maize and Blue, it really means a lot! - Andy

Favorable weather in the Ann Arbor area has allowed the team to begin practicing outdoors. Conditions are soft and inconsistent, but the team is taking advantage of the good fortune. The team heads to Pottsboro, Texas tomorrow afternoon to begin preparing for the Dr. Pepper Intercollegiate hosted by Northern Illinois University. Check back this weekend to follow Andy's progress. Go Blue!

The final round of the 2001 El Diablo Intercollegiate hosted by Marshall University was cancelled due to excessive rain. The Ocala, Florida area received over 3" of rain in just 2 hours to prevent the completion of round 3. Andy's 2-round total of 72/73-145 was good for a 13th place tie. The team placed 20th amongst the 24-team field. The team travels to Dallas, Texas for the Dr. Pepper Intercollegiate this weekend completing the southern swing of their spring 2001 campaign.

Although Andy's experience is limited in the workplace, he sure has made up for it in other aspects of his life. With help from the University of Michigan STARS Career Development office Andy has compiled his life's experiences and highlights into a formal résumé. Take a look by simply clicking on the résumé link on the left. If you have any comments or questions you can email him at admatthe@umich.edu.

The first tournament of 2001 is in the books, and Andy and his fellow Wolverines started the spring with a bang! The team posted rounds of 297-284 to claim first place among the 15-team field, while Andy carded rounds of 72-71 for a 1-under-par total of 143 good for solo third place. Andy's first round was highlighted by a 4-hole stretch that included 2 birdies and an eagle -- Andy holed out for 3 with an 8-iron from 109 yards on the par-5 16th. Andy credits his continued work with Dr. Bob Rotella for much of his success in the tournament. Andy spent time with Dr. Rotella at his home in Charlottesville, Virginia before heading to Savannah, Georgia to prepare for the tournament. Check out Andy's scorecard and stats from the tournament in the schedule section of andymatthews.com, and be sure to check back often as new features are being added to the site every week!

It's that time of the year again, and the Michigan Golf Team has traveled to Savannah, Georgia for the week prior to their spring opener, The Wolverine South Invitational. Weather has been great all week, allowing the team to find their games after the winter. Practice and play continues this week, so be sure to stay tuned for updates on this weekend's tournament.

Well, it's been a while, and not much has changed on andymatthews.com. Just a few behind-the-scenes updates and a little tweaking here and there to make it easier for us to keep all of you updated as to Andy's progress throughout the year. Andy just returned from a week in Orlando, Florida where he was working with his teacher Charley Vandenberg and golf digest Top 50 instructor Mike Bender. As far as we can tell, Andy is preparing himself for his best season yet. If you haven't checked out his Spring 2001 schedule, take a quick peak -- it should be exciting to watch Andy’s play this year, so stay tuned!

Well, it took us a while, but we finally got around to putting together our stats section. Just select a start and end date using the calendar provided and it will give you Andy's stats for that time period. Keep in mind that the computer does not calculate the start and end days, so make sure the rounds you want fall between those 2 dates. Thanks to John Burnside for all his hard work on this site! Without him all this wouldn't be possible. Send comments to jrburnsi@umich.edu.

Scott and Michele (and the entire Matthews family) are proud to announce the arrival of Edward Fischer Matthews, born September 27, 2000. "Fischer" was born at 9:33PM, and was a whopping 9 lbs 1 oz. Mother and baby are doing great! Their address and phone number follows... The Matthews Family 40542 Steamboat Drive P.O. Box 881251 Steamboat Springs, CO 80488 970-870-8997

Well, it's nice to finally be back!! A lot has happened since the last update, and we're going to do our best to get all of Andy's scores and stats up to date as soon as possible. Through 2 tournaments this fall, Andy has averaged just over 75. The first tournament for the Wolverines was held at the Inverness Club in Toledo, Ohio, site of several USGA and PGA Championships. At 7,255 yards and par 71 Andy found himself in the top 20 after day 1 shooting rounds of 76-74, but a final round 80 dropped him back in the pack. The University of Michigan hosted the Wolverine North invitational this weekend. The team finished a disappointing 4th behind 3 district rivals, but Andy put in a great showing shooting rounds of 73-75-74 for a 15th place finish. Check the tournament details in the schedule section of andymatthews.com. For full reports on the Wolverine golf team, be sure to visit www.mgoblue.com.

Andy fired a 1-over par 73 to open the 2000 Northern Amateur Championship at Sand Creek Country Club in Chesterton, Indiana. Despite a frustrating day on the greens and windy conditions, Andy is tied for 16th place, six shots off the lead. Look for results after tomorrow's second round. Andy tees off at 7:20AM. Look to the Northern Amateur Website for full field results.

Be sure to check out the new format for the scorecards in the results section of andymatthews.com. Simply go to the Andy's schedule, and click the Results link next to the corresponding tournament. We're sure you'll enjoy the new format!

Andy's schedule has finally been updated, so be sure to check out his plans for the remainder of the 2000 golf season! In addition to the schedule, scores, stats, and in-depth reports on Andy's play are being continuously updated. Stay tuned, there will be more to come!

Andy shot a 1-under par 69 in the 2000 Advil Western Open Qualifier at the Village Links of Glen Ellyn Golf Club in Glen Ellyn, IL. Andy bogied the first 4 holes but bounced back to play the remaining 14 holes 5-under par to miss a play-off birth by only one shot. Check out the details of the round in the schedule section of andymatthews.com.

This Monday, July 3, Andy will attempt to qualify for his second PGA Tour event of his career, the Advil Western Open in Lemont, IL. He leaves Sunday morning, and we wish him the best of luck! Check back Monday afternoon for results!

Andy finished the 89th Michigan Amateur as a quarter-finalist. He won 3 matches, and lost his quarter-final match to Mattawan's Kevin Vandenberg 2up. Read more about the match in the schedule section of andymatthews.com

The second round of stroke play at the Michigan Amateur was played under very windy conditions, but Andy finished with a 1-over par 73. His rounds of 70-73 resulted in a third seed and a 10:03 a.m. Thursday tee time for match play.

The first round of the 2000 Michigan Amateur stroke play went very well. Andy fired a 2-under par round of 70 at Battle Creek Country Club. Check the schedule section for Andys scorecard.

First round of Michigan Amateur stroke play qualifying begins on the 20th at Battle Creek Country Club. Check back during tournament week for updates!