Daniel Connolly would like to continue his NCGA run
[photo courtesy of NCGA]

Fresh off his first NCGA victory at July’s Amateur Stroke Play Championship, Connolly grabbed the first round at this week’s annual NCGA Valley Amateur, posting a sizzling 8-under 64 Monday at par-72 Del Rio Country Club in Modesto. The 64 is only two shots off the all-time NCGA scoring record of 10-under 62, set by Trevor Clayton during the 2014 NCGA Valley Amateur at The Reserve at Spanos Park.

A sophomore at Southern Methodist University, Connolly was on pace for a 62. Starting on the back-nine, he opened with a 5-under 31 that featured an eagle on the par-5 15th, four birdies and a bogey. After making the turn, he toured Del Rio’s front-nine at 3 under, bogey free.

Also starting hot was Green Valley CC member Jason Anthony. The leader in the NCGA Player of the Year points standings, Anthony posted a solid 67 that featured seven birdies and two bogeys, leaving him just three behind Connolly.

Poplar Creek GC member Christian Banke and E-Club East Bay member Devin Hua are both tied for third at 68. Lurking just five shots behind Connolly is Monterey’s Nick Moore, who has won the event a record three times. Moore, the NCGA’s Player of the Year in 2015, is the two-time defending champion and has won the Valley Am in three of the last four years.

The 36-hole championship scoring record is 133, co-held by Clayton and 2009 winner Steven Chung.