June 27, 2008
IRVINE, Scotland - Former San Diego State star Aaron Goldberg (Encinitas, Calif.) fell to Northern Ireland's Jonathan Caldwell, 3 and 2, in match play on Friday during the fourth round of the 2008 Palmer Cup at Glasgow Golf Club's Gailes Links. Europe outscored the United States, 8.5-3.5, on the final day of competition en route to a 14-10 victory at the 12th annual event, which showcases the top American collegiate golfers against their European counterparts in a Ryder Cup-style format.
Goldberg, who garnered Mountain West Conference Golfer of the Year accolades as a senior during the 2007-08 season, captured hole No. 2 and held on to the slim advantage through three holes before a Caldwell birdie brought the match back to all square. Caldwell, who just completed his collegiate eligibility at South Alabama, caught fire after the turn, winning with a birdie on No. 11 and draining two additional birdies on the 14th and 15th to take a commanding lead. Caldwell then closed the match after both players birdied No. 16.
In third-round action earlier in the day, Goldberg was paired with Michael Thompson, formerly of Alabama, in an alternate-shot four-ball match against the Swedish pairing of Jonas Enander Hedin and Jonas Blixt. Success also proved elusive for Goldberg during the morning session as he and Thompson lost 4 and 3. The American duo went out in front with a birdie on the fifth hole, but their European adversaries kept the pressure on, winning four of five holes from No. 9-13 to build an insurmountable lead.
The U.S. held a slim 6.5-5.5 advantage before Europe stormed back to take 8.5 out of a possible 12 points on Friday to pull away for the win. Georgia Tech rising junior Chesson Hadley and Louisville alumnus Derek Fathauer were the only two Americans to emerge triumphant in singles play after the Europeans swept through foursome competition.
Following the tournament, Thompson and Enander Hedin were named recipients of the Michael Carter Award, given to the player on both sides who best represents the ideals of the Palmer Cup.
Despite the defeat, the United States still holds a 6-5-1 lead in the all-time series dating back to 1997. However, the Americans have lost the last three times the event has been played on European soil.
2008 PALMER CUP
At Irvine, Scotland
Glasgow Golf Club--Gailes Links
EUROPE 14, UNITED STATES 10
Round Three Results (Foursome Matches-Alternate Ball)
Jonas Blixt/Jonas Enander Hedin (Europe) def. Aaron Goldberg/Michael Thompson (USA), 4 and 3
Scott Borrowman/Charles Ford (Europe) def. Billy Horschel/Adam Mitchell (USA), 3 and 1
Jonathan Caldwell/Gareth Shaw (Europe) def. Derek Fathauer/Chesson Hadley (USA), 1-up
Jorge Campillo/Tim Sluiter (Europe) def. Kevin Chappell/Rickie Fowler (USA), 3 and 2
Round Four Results (Singles Matches)
Jorge Campillo (Europe) halved Rickie Fowler (USA)
Jonas Blixt (Europe) def. Michael Thompson (USA), 2 and 1
Charles Ford (Europe) halved Billy Horschel (USA)
Chesson Hadley (USA) def. Gareth Shaw (Europe), 1-up
Scott Borrowman (Europe) halved Kevin Chappell (USA)
Jonas Enander Hedin (Europe) def. Adam Mitchell (USA), 3 and 2
Jonathan Caldwell (Europe) def. Aaron Goldberg (USA), 3 and 2
Derek Fathauer (USA) def. Tim Sluiter (Europe), 3 and 1