U.S. Amateur Golf : Medalist Eoghan O’Connell Upset by Former Pro Michael Brannan

Michael Brannan, a golf equipment salesman from Trumbull, Conn., beat two Walker Cup players Friday to advance to the quarterfinal round of the 89th U.S. Amateur Golf Championship.

Brannan, a stocky 200-pounder, upset medalist winner Eoghan O’Connell of Ireland, 4 and 3, in the morning second round.

The one-time Brigham Young player came back in the afternoon to oust David Eger, executive director of operations for the PGA tour, 3 and 1.

Brannan, 33, who said he plays twice a week, tried the PGA tour for six years (1978-83) and then reclaimed his amateur status in January. He listed a second in the 1979 Houston Open as his best pro finish.

Joining Brannan in the round of eight was Jay Sigel, U.S. Walker Cup member and two-time national amateur champion (1982-83).

Sigel, 45, of Berwyn, Pa., beat Mark Sollenberger, owner of a Scottsdale, Ariz., real estate company, 2 and 1 in the morning. He came back to eliminate Dave Brookreson, 41, of Huntingdon Valley, Pa., in a neighborhood confrontation, 3 and 2.

The remaining three Southern California players all lost in the second round. Bob May of La Habra lost 1-up to Ted Himka of Seattle, Brent Geiberger of Santa Barbara was beaten by Jerry Courville of Norwalk, Conn., 5 and 3, while Jeff Manson of Long Beach fell to Danny Green of Jackson, Tenn., 3 and 2.