Branton reaches quarterfinals of Atlanta Amateur Match Play Championship

Chad Branton of Cartersville reached the quarterfinals of the Atlanta Amateur Match Play Championship this weekend at Echelon Golf Club in Alpharetta. Branton fired an even par 72 last Thursday in stroke play to qualify for the match play bracket. He had a win Friday over Mel Mendenhall 1-up in the first round and then knocked off the defending champion — Stan Gann — 1-up in the second round. He then lost 7&6 Saturday to Bob Royak in the quarterfinals. The tournament championship was won Sunday by Matthew Hayes 2&1 over Samuel Lape. Both Hayes and Lape are members of the Furman University golf team.