July 24, 2011

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Following a second straight day of two match-play victories, Kansas State senior Kyle Smell will face Wichita State men’s golfer Hunter Sparks in a 36-hole final of the 101st Kansas Amateur at Hallbrook Country Club in Leawood, Kan.

The No.1 seed in match play, Smell defeated No. 57-seed Steve Groom in the quarterfinals Saturday morning. The Overland Park, Kan., product was 1 Up after Groom won No. 15, but Smell came back to take holes 16 and 17 for a 3&1 victory.

In Saturday afternoon’s semifinal match, Smell faced SMU golfer Jeffrey Lee. Smell was 3 Up on Lee through 10 holes until the 60th seed came within one on No. 14. Smell quickly responded with a victory on No. 15, and he halved both No. 16 and 17 to win, 2&1.

Sparks, the No. 3 seed in match play, defeated No. 54-seed Bryan Norton, 7&5, Saturday morning and 26th-seeded Alex Higgs, 2&1, Saturday afternoon to advance to the finals.

For more information or live stats of the Kansas Amateur finals, visit www.kansasgolf.org.