Slidell’s Bergeron survives 24-man playoff to advance in US Amateur

Jacob Bergeron of Slidell made news Tuesday when a Golfweek report indicated he would forgo his final three years of eligibility at LSU to turn professional. He made news again Wednesday morning for his performance on the golf course.

Bergeron survived a 24-man playoff to claim the final spot in the 64-player match play portion of the 118th U.S. Amateur at Pebble Beach Golf Links.

Playing in the third of six foursomes off the par-3 17th, Bergeron posted the first birdie of the playoff after his tee shot landed within 5 feet, putting the pressure on the remaining players. Only one other player birdied the hole – Peter Kuest of Fresno, California, who was the last of the 24 to tee off in the playoff.

The two remaining players headed to the picturesque par-5 18th, where Kuest hit his second shot into the Pacific Ocean and three-putted from 4 feet for triple-bogey 8. Bergeron advanced with a bogey.

“It’s definitely the craziest playoff I’ve ever been a part of,” Bergeron said. “It’s a bit unfortunate for Peter. We both had a rough go at it, but I’m fortunate to come out on top.”

Bergeron is one of three LSU players headed to the match play portion of the Amateur. He will face co-medalist and top seed Daniel Hillier at 4:10 p.m. CDT Wednesday in the last of the 32 opening-round matches. Luis Gagne and Trey Winstead earned their spots in the final 64 on Tuesday.