U.S. Amateur final match preview: Staff picks, what to expect Sunday at Oakmont Country Club

August 15, 2021

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OAKMONT, Pa. — Earlier this week 312 of the best male amateur golfers in the world made their way to Western Pennsylvania for the 121st U.S. Amateur.

After two rounds of stroke play, four lengthy weather delays and five rounds of match play, just two players remain standing tall.

North Carolina junior Austin Greaser will square off against Michigan State fifth-year senior James Piot in Sunday’s 36-hole final match at the famed Oakmont Country Club.

From Sunday’s television schedule and start time to staff picks and a preview, here’s everything you need to know for the final match of the 121st U.S. Amateur.

Greaser vs. Piot, 9 a.m.

It’s tough to single out which player has the advantage in the final match.

If we’re being honest, the only reason Greaser didn’t end his semifinal match earlier was because he leaked a little oil down the stretch with a couple rare mistakes to let Vick back in it with a pair of pars. He powered through the adversity and clutched up when he needed to, which isn’t an easy task at Oakmont with 30-plus friends and family all watching in the gallery of hundreds.

Over five matches at Oakmont, Greaser has trailed for just six holes and hasn’t been down more than one. His length off the tee goes a long way at the hilly track outside Pittsburgh, and he’s walking the course with an infectious swagger that’s truly fun to watch.

That said, let’s not sleep on Piot’s chances.

“Rough start but just bounced back and just kept hitting greens and stayed solid down the stretch.”

Grinding away at Oakmont has proved to be #USAmateur Finalist @jamespiot1‘s specialty! pic.twitter.com/vmql9l8U9e

— USGA (@USGA) August 14, 2021

The Spartan has stormed through match play in convincing fashion, winning three of his five matches by a 4-and-3 margin. He’s confident in his game and the work he’s put in this summer, and it shows out on the course. He’s got a knack for falling behind early on the first hole but has found a way to bounce back.

If it’s a tight match down the stretch, advantage Piot.