Antalya, Turkey (Sports Network) - The United States set a 54-hole scoring
mark to win the weather-shortened World Amateur Team Championship by five
strokes on Sunday.
The U.S. fired a final-round 4-under 138 at the par-71 Antalya Golf Club to
secure its 14th Eisenhower Trophy. This year's tournament was reduced from 72
to 54 holes after dangerous weather conditions caused a six-hour, second-round
delay.
With its final total of 24-under 404, the U.S. broke its own record for a 54-
hole scoring mark at the event. The previous low of 407 was set by the U.S.
team in Puerto Rico in 2004.
"It has been since 2004 that the trophy has found its way to the USA and it is
great to have it coming back to our shores," said U.S. captain Jim Vernon.
Mexico recorded a 7-under on Sunday to finish in second place at 19-under 409
and claim its first medal.
"We had good expectations this week but this is a dream come true," said
Mexican captain Jorge Coughlan.
The Republic of Korea, Germany and defending champion France all posted a 15-
under 413 to tie for third place and share the bronze medal, while Canada and
Norway tied for sixth at 11-under.
England placed eighth at 10-under and Venezuela, Japan and Spain tied for
ninth at 9-under.
The U.S. led the entire tournament and set all-time team records for lowest
18, 36 and 54 holes.
Chris Williams set the tone with an opening round 64 on Thursday and teammate
Justin Thomas added a 67 en route to a 13-under 131. Williams had seven
birdies and an eagle at the par-72 Cornelia Golf Club to tie the second-lowest
individual score in the event's history. The U.S. then rode the momentum of
that performance to another Eisenhower Trophy.
"I would go back to the first round where Chris shot 64 and Justin shot 67 and
we were 13 under," said Steven Fox. "We just built from there."
The Sports Network