THOMASVILLE – Golfer Brycen Jones did not qualify for the match play portion of this week’s U.S. Junior Amateur Championship. But, the former Thomasville High standout was not discouraged about his play. In fact, he is more encouraged by his performance last Monday and Tuesday.

“I know my game is there. It just wasn’t quite the week, but next week could be a totally different game. Four putts that didn’t fall last week could fall next week, and it’s a totally different tournament,” Jones said.

He shot 4-over during the first two rounds of stroke play and missed the cut by two strokes. Only the top 64 advanced to the match play portion of the competition. Jones shot a 4-over-75 on the first day, but rebounded with an even-par 72 on the second day on a different course.

“I played really good, just didn’t have a few putts fall for me that I wished would have fell,” Jones said. “It was a great experience, great time, a really good field to see how I measured up for that week. If a few putts fall then I’m in.”

Jones’ second round included two birdies on the front nine.

“Round two was a lot better. I hit it off the tee much better. My irons were just a little bit better,” Jones said. “The first course was really tough, trying to read the greens, and I didn’t have many putts fall as the second day.”

Jones’ next competition will be the week of Aug. 3 at the Georgia Open at the Ford Field and River Club in Richmond Hill, Georgia.