Joey Russo takes lead at Christmas Classic in Monterey
MONTEREY, Calif. (December 6, 2014) -- At Del Monte Golf Course, Monterey's own Joey Russo shot a 3-under 69 to open the 30th Annual Christmas Classic. Russo's bogey-free effort was good for a one shot lead over St. Mary's College standout Hunter Rappleye of Elk Grove.
Five others stand three shots back, including defending champ Daniel Connolly of San Francisco, who won in dramatic fashion last year with a final round 64.
Russo's card was well rounded, he had one birdie on a par three (the tricky 4th, a 210 yarder), one birdie on a par four (the short 10th) and one birdie on a par 5 (No. 17).
In the seniors, Scott Anderson of Danville shot 73 for a one shot lead over three players including Jim Knoll of Sunnyvale, tournament founder Casey Boyns of Pacific Grove, and Dale Bouguennec of Pleasant Hill. With four others in the stacked senior field within two shots of the lead, Sunday's finish should be interesting.
The course held up well against a week of on-and-off rain with a final downpour Friday night that left many wondering if AmateurGolf.com's weather luck would hold out. (Of course it did, the day was 65 and sunny.)
The Net Division has Charles Balisha from Turlock Country Club with a whopping seven shot lead on the field. His net score of 3-under 69 was the only under par round in his division.
ABOUT THE CHRISTMAS CLASSIC
The Christmas Classic is still referred to by many regular players as the "Casey's" because it was originally called the "Casey's Christmas Classic" when 2-time California Amateur champ Casey Boyns founded it 30 years ago. The venue has changed a few times over the years, but Del Monte has hosted more than 25 playings and has become a player favorite.
ABOUT THE AGC Christmas Classic
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The Christmas Classic was
founded by 2-time
California State Amateur Champion Casey
Boyns over 20 years ago and it always
attracts
a great field. This is our most popular event,
and year in and year out it sells out. Field
limited to 104 players; Championship, Senior,
and Net divisions.
Your entry fee includes two rounds of
golf
(cart at players expense), $4500 in
Callaway Golf certificate prizes,
$20 lunch certificate,
and a
great
weekend at one of the Monterey Peninsula's
wonderful classic courses, "Old" Del Monte.
DIVISIONS
CHAMPIONSHIP
For players aged 16 and over who have a USGA or
equivalent index of less than 5.5
SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP
For players age 50 and over (as of the tournament
date) with a handicap index of less than 8.0. Note:
Must be 55 and over for NCGA Senior Points.
NET
For players 16 and over with handicap between 5.5
and 18.0.
MID-AM (subdivision of Championship)
For players age
25-49. Compete alongside the younger players in the
Championship Division, (same tees, same prize
opportunities) and if there are at least six Mid-Ams,
a
separate prize and trophy will be awarded.
SUPER SENIORS (subdivision of Senior)
For players age
65+. Compete alongside the younger senior players
in
the
Senior Division, (same tees, same prize
opportunities) and if there are at least six players 65
or
over, a
separate prize and trophy will be awarded for low
super senior.
WOMEN (subdivision of Championship)
Will play in the Championship
Division but from a shorter tee; if there are at least
six women in
the field, a separate prize and trophy will be
awarded. Net players will
play in the Net Division but from a shorter tee.
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