Sun Sep 7 21:13:29 2008

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Berkmeyer medals ahead of Mickelson's brother at Mid-Amateur

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Milwaukee, WI (Sports Network) - Richard Berkmeyer managed only a one-over 71 on Sunday, but it was good enough to earn him stroke play medalist honors at the U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship.

Berkmeyer, a 34-year-old from St. Louis, finished 36 holes at two-under 138 to edge the brother of PGA Tour star Phil Mickelson by a stroke.

Tim Mickelson, playing later in the day, held a one-shot lead over Berkmeyer heading to his 17th hole, but he closed with back-to-back bogeys to fall one shot behind.

Mickelson -- younger brother to Phil and the head golf coach at the University of San Diego -- ended up with an even-par 70 in his second round to finish out of medalist contention at one-under 139.

Berkmeyer, who is playing in this championship for the fifth time, was one of only six mid-amateurs who reached the match play portion at the U.S. Amateur last month. He called this championship, the Mid-Amateur, his favorite event.

"I feel now like I belong and I'm more comfortable out here," Berkmeyer said.

Two-time Mid-Amateur champion Tim Jackson, who held a one-shot lead after the first round, stumbled to a five-over 75 on Sunday and fell into a share of third place with Derek Berg (70) at even-par 140.

The championship, its field whittled from 260 players to just 64 for the match play portion, continues until the 36-hole match play final on Thursday.