FLOURTOWN — For the second time in three years, Dupont native Brandon Matthews took on Philadelphia’s most challenging field and overcame 77 other top professionals and amateurs.
A Temple University senior, Matthews shot 66-71 on the Wissahickon Course of Philadelphia Cricket Club to claim the Golf Association of Philadelphia’s 111th Open Championship on Wednesday, July 22.
The last five champions all called Temple University home. Matthews won the title in 2013, while teammate Andrew Mason took the honors in 2011 and 2012, and Matt Teesdale won it last year.
Matthews set the pace Wednesday with a 66. He was one stroke off the lead heading to the second round behind club-pro Josh Rackley. Matthews birdied three of his last six holes. This was Matthews’ first time on the course.
Almost immediately into the second round, the championship became a Matthews’ game to lose. Leaky ball-striking by Rackley led to a bogey and double bogey in his first four holes. By the time both players made the turn, Matthews held a three-shot lead.
Matthews carded six straight pars on his back nine to erase any doubts about the outcome.
