July 15, 2008

AURORA, Colo. - Recent San Diego State graduate Aaron Goldberg (Encinitas, Calif.) shot a 4-under-par 67 on Tuesday to capture medalist honors after the second round of the 2008 U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship in Aurora, Colo. The two-time Aztec All-American completed the stroke play phase of the tournament with a two-day total of 10-under 132, edging Rickie Fowler (Murrieta, Calif./Oklahoma State) by one shot at the 7,551-yard, par-71 Murphy Creek Golf Course. With his finish, Goldberg advances to match play, where he will face Brady Johnson (Mill Bay, British Columbia/Brigham Young) on Wednesday beginning at 8 a.m. MT.

Goldberg, who fired a 6-under 65 on Monday, maintained his slim advantage throughout the second round despite carding two bogeys on the front nine. The 2007-08 Mountain West Conference Golfer of the Year caught fire after the turn, draining three birdies to go along with an eagle 2 on the 528-yard, par-4 13th hole. After a 300-yard drive off the 13th tee, Goldberg coaxed a 5-iron to within five feet of the hole, where his ball made a friendly bounce into the bottom of the cup.

Fowler, who shot the low round of the day at 5-under 66, also recorded an eagle 2 on the 406-yard, par-4 10th hole to pull himself into contention. With Goldberg holding a one-stroke lead in the clubhouse, Fowler had a chance to tie, but missed a 10-foot birdie putt on the final hole.

Johnson, meanwhile, survived a playoff for the final match play slot after 10 players finished regulation at 5-over 147.

The U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship continues with elimination match play the rest of the week, with the winner of Saturday's 36-hole finale receiving an invitation to the 2009 Masters Tournament in Augusta, Ga.

For complete tournament information, please visit www.usapl.org.