 Molinari beat American Austin Eaton 2&1 at Merion |
Italy's Edoardo Molinari beat American Austin Eaton 2&1 in his semi-final of the US Amateur at Merion, Pennsylvania. The 24-year-old engineering student from Turin will face American Dillon Dougherty in Sunday's 36-hole final.
Dougherty, 22, came from one down with two holes to play to win his semi-final against Canada's JC Deacon one up.
"We were both nervous today and it was tough," Molinari said. "I was almost shaking at some points because the Masters and the US Open mean so much."
The winner of the US Amateur earns exemptions into next year's Masters, US Open and Open Championship, as long as he retains his amateur status.
Molinari, five up on 2004 US Mid-Amateur champion Eaton after 11 holes, hit what he described as "the shot of my life" at the par-three 17th.
The Italian, who tied for 60th in last month's Open, hit a two-iron to 20 feet and two-putted for par to book his place in the final.
Dougherty, who as a teenager caddied for Tiger Woods in Stanford University matches, said: "This changes a lot of plans."
MMIX
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