By Mike Dougherty

Cameron Young survived a wild ride in the opening round of match play at the U.S. Amateur Championship, defeating Tyler Torano in 19 holes with a long-distance birdie.

They went back and forth, only halving two holes on the closing nine.

Young only hit three fairways Wednesday at Atlanta Athletic Club prior to unleashing a 340-yard drive on the first extra hole.

“I was a little bit angry,” the 17-year-old from Scarborough said.

With a mere 126 yards left into the green, Young hit a lob wedge to within 30 feet. Torano, a California resident who played at Loyla Marymount, went over the green with his second, and was two feet left with his chip after Young holed out.

“It was definitely a relief,” the Fordham Prep senior said of the win. “I struggled all day with the driver. Every time I’d win a hole to get a lead in the match, I’d give it right back. This is my third straight week of tournament golf, so I am chipping and putting well.”

Torano missed a 10-foot birdie on the 18th hole to close out the match.

Next up for Young is a Thursday morning Round of 32 match against Isaiah Logue, a Pennsylvania resident who is headed for Liberty University in the coming weeks. The winner heads back out after lunch for the Round of 16.

(Photo: Cameron Young/File/Courtesy of the USGA)