George C. Thomas Invitational: Early leaders now have company at top
6/26/2015 | by AmateurGolf.com Staff
see also: View results for George Thomas Invitational, Los Angeles Country Club - North Course
Scott McGihon of Palm Desert and Michael Castleforte of Chicago are leading the Mid-Am Division; Three players are tied for the Senior lead
LOS ANGELES, Calif. (June 26, 2015) -- Michael Castleforte of Chicago posted even-par 70 today on top of his first round 71 to catch up with leader Scott McGihon of Bermuda Dunes at 141.
McGihon, who stood alone on top of the board after a first round 69, posted 72 today. He's a veteran of Southern California golf, with multiple SCGA titles under his belt.
According to assistant pro Brett Mormann, two LACC members are "lurking" at 143 -- they are former Stanford standout Jerry Chang, and Brad Shaw, who played for USC. Playing at their home course, lurking is certainly an operative word. They will also have some friendly competition for low Los Angeles CC member, as they are paired together tomorrow as well.
In the Senior Division, first round leader Steve Hudson of Birmingham let the door open for David Nelson (Reno) and Ron Kilby (McAllen, TX) after adding a 76 to his first round 69. Nelson posted 71 today, on top of a first round 74, and Kilby's rounds were 72-73.
It should be an interesting battle in both divisions.
PREVIOUSLY POSTED
LOS ANGELES, Calif. (June 26, 2015) -- When you receive an invitation to play The Los Angeles Country Club, even on a casual round, it doesn't require much checking of the schedule. You just find a way to make it happen to play this George C. Thomas gem.
When that invitation comes from the tournament committee of a prestigious tournament named for the legendary architect, the answer is probably even quicker.
Today, while players in the U.S. Senior Open -- including George C. Thomas chair and LACC member John McClure -- battled 100 degree heat in Sacramento, a top field of Mid-Ams and Seniors from around the U.S. faced a more comfortable high in the low 80s.
Scott McGihon of Palm Desert, Calif. and Steve Hudson of Birmingham, Alabama took advantage of the conditions with excellent low rounds of 69 to open the three round event. McGihon should feel comfortable at LACC; his father is the former Director of Golf. And right behind McGihon in the Mid-Am division is LACC member Mark Sear (Manhattan Beach) and Jim Chang (Calabasas).
Hudson has a bit more of a cushion, with the next Senior division chasers tied at 72. They are Brady Exber (Las Vegas, NV), Ronald Kilby (McAllen, TX), and Eddie Lyons (Shreveport, LA).
Full field scores are available by clicking the link below. And be sure to check back Saturday for a full on-site report as AmateurGolf.com walks the gorgeous fairways of LACC.
Results: George Thomas Invitational
| Place | Player | Location | Pts | Scores |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Santa Monica, CA | 300 | 72-71-66=209 | |
| 2 | Hinsdale, IL | 200 | 71-70-72=213 | |
| 3 | Palm Desert, CA | 100 | 69-72-73=214 | |
| T4 | Santa Monica, CA | 100 | 70-75-71=216 | |
| T4 | Town & Country, MO | 100 | 77-69-70=216 |
About the George Thomas Invitational
54-hole stroke play invitational with Mid-Am and Senior divisions is named for George C. Thomas, Jr., the legendary golf course architect who designed the courses for Bel-Air Country Club, The Los Angeles Country Club, Riviera Country Club and others...
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