Taylor reaches Publinx quarterfinals

NORMAN, Okla., July 16 (UPI) -- Medalist Nick Taylor needed to play only 25 holes in winning two matches Thursday, putting him in the quarterfinals of the U.S. Public Links Championship.

Taylor, who was the low amateur at last month's U.S. Open, ousted Brett Munson 8 & 6 in the tournament's second round and then defeated Todd Obergoenner 6 & 5.

In his three matches at the University of Oklahoma's Jimmie Austin Golf Club, Taylor has led for 37 of the 39 holes he has played. He has made 19 birdies and two eagles.

"It's been a while since I've struck the ball this well," Taylor said. "My distance control has been great this week, and I've been giving myself a lot of good looks at birdie."

Taylor will face Wesley Bryan in the quarterfinals Friday. Bryan recorded a 3 & 2 victory over Hank Frame Thursday morning and then eliminated Chris Polski 1-up.

Two-time Oklahoma State all-American Rickie Fowler was knocked out of the tournament in the third round. Sam Lyons let a 4-up lead get away against Fowler, but birdied the final hole for a 1-up victory.

Lyons will play University of Oklahoma assistant golf coach Phillip Bryan in the quarterfinals.

The other quarterfinals Friday will send Brandon Crick against Eddie Olson and Sang Yi against Brad Benjamin. The semifinals are also scheduled for Friday and the 36-hole title match will be played Saturday.

The winner will earn an invitation to next year's Masters, as long as that player remains an amateur.