University of Oregon reshman Norman Xiong made a birdie on the 22nd hole – the fourth extra hole of the round – to defeat Clemson’s Doc Redman and win 115th Western Amateur championship Saturday at Skokie Country Club. Xiong is the first Duck to win the prestigious Western Amateur, whose past winners have included Jack Nicklaus (1961), Phil Mickelson (1991) and Tiger Woods (1994). “To win a tournament that is one of the top five amateur events in the world is simply amazing,” said Oregon head coach Casey Martin. “The kid is special. Glad he’s a Duck.” Xiong, from Canyon Lake, Calif., never trailed in Saturday’s 115th championship match, but had to play 39 holes, including a semifinal match, on Saturday to claim victory.
