NCGA Stroke Play: Hollinsead leads
PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. (July 11, 2008)--Matthew Hollinsead has seized the lead after one round of the NCGA Amateur Stroke Play Championship.
The Wildhawk member turned in a sterling 5-under-par 67 to establish a one-stroke advantage over John Balfanz of Scratch Players. Two Olympic Club members, Andrew Biggadike (right) and Jon Peterson, are two strokes back after firing three-under 69s.
Low scoring was the name of the game with nine players in red numbers on the 6,746-yard Poppy Hills. Hollinsead, who lost the Sacramento City in a playoff at Haggin Oaks a month ago, had a scorecard with no blemishes and five birdies.
Defending champion Casey Boyns, who essentially wrapped up an unprecedented fourth player of the year award with a win in this event a year ago, posted a one-over 73 and is six strokes back.
The championship continues with the second round Saturday at Poppy Hills after which there will be a cut to the low 40 scores and ties for the final round on Sunday.
--Courtesy NCGA
ABOUT THE NCGA Stroke Play
First played in 1944, the NCGA Stroke Play
Championship has a special history, as the
tournament has been won
by the likes of Ken Venturi and Johnny Miller. The
sterling silver
perpetual trophy was donated by the San Francisco
Examiner in 1944.
Championship play is 54 holes of
stroke play (18 holes per day). After 36 holes the
field will be cut to 40 players and ties. Pre-qualifying
required for non-
exempt players. Open to players with handicaps of
5.4 or lower.
View Complete Tournament Information