GOLF / STATE AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP : Galbraith Reaches Quarterfinals

Sandy Galbraith, a 45-year-old mortgage banker from Fountain Valley who has a good golf swing but bad feet, advanced to the quarterfinals of the California Amateur Championship with two match-play victories Wednesday.

Galbraith, one of the oldest players in the tournament, defeated Alan Drobka of Newport Beach, 3 and 2, in the first round and came back to beat Joey Ferrari of Lodi in the afternoon, 2 and 1, on the Pebble Beach Golf Links.

Galbraith was the tournament’s medalist, posting the lowest score in the 36-hole stroke-play competition Monday and Tuesday.

He seemed surprised by his continued solid play. “Age is definitely a factor,” Galbraith said. “I know when I play a lot, my feet get very sore. I’m going to try putting foam-rubber cushions in my shoes.”

The field of 102 golfers was cut to 32 for match play. Sixteen will head into today’s quarterfinals. The semifinals were scheduled for the afternoon, with the two finalists playing a 36-hole match Friday for the championship.

Also advancing was Bryan Pemberton, who completed a four-year career at USC earlier this month by placing 13th in the NCAA championships. Pemberton defeated Joe Marker of Los Angeles in the first round of match play and then beat defending champion Charlie Wi of Thousand Oaks, 3 and 2. Wi was trying to become the first player since 1955 to repeat as champion.