Co-medalist Harvey, Nurski advance in U.S. Mid-Amateur

Co-medalists Scott Harvey and Brad Nurski won first-round matches Monday in the U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship.

The 36-year-old Harvey, a real estate property manager from Greensboro, North Carolina, beat Kevin Grabeman of Columbus, Ohio, 1 up at Saucon Valley.

''It was one of those matches where sometimes you have to gut it out,'' Harvey said. ''Kevin drives it real straight. He's in every hole and the pressure is always on you.''

The 35-year-old Nurski, a railroad conductor and switchman from St. Joseph, Missouri, topped Brad Valois of Warwick, Rhode Island, 6 and 4.

''I kept the ball in the fairway right off the bat,'' Nurski said. ''Anytime you can hit the ball right down the middle on the first hole, it kind of calms the nerves a little and eases you into everything.''

Four-time champion Nathan Smith of Pittsburgh also advanced, beating Brett Williams of Baldwin, Maryland, 7 and 5.

''It was a solid round in general with some quality shots, a lot of greens in regulation and some good putts,'' Smith said.

Defending champion Michael McCoy of Des Moines, Iowa, beat Todd Burgan of Knoxville, Tennessee, 1 up.

The event is limited to players 25 and over.