Luigi Botta adds to lead at the Northern Amateur
7/21/2016 | by AmateurGolf.com Staff
see also: View results for Northern Amateur, Sand Creek Country Club
Luigi Botta continued his strong play in the 2nd round and takes a three-shot lead into final round
CHESTERTON, IN (July 21, 2016) -- Luigi Botta continues to lead the Northern Amateur after backing up his opening round 64 with a second round 70.
The Italian began the 2nd round with an eagle the par 5th 10th and followed it up with a birdie on the 11th. He added another birdie on the 15th and then went on to card two bogeys and 10 pars the rest of the way. He currently holds a three-shot lead over Bennett Buch and Ian Holt with one round to play.
ROUND ONE STORY
Missouri junior Luigi Botta got off to good start on day one of the Northern Amateur, shooting a tournament leading 8-under 64. Botta, from Italy, will carry a two-stroke lead into Thursday's second round at Sand Creek Country Club.
Throughout his round Botta carded 10 birdies and two bogeys. Botta birdied his first two holes on his way to a front nine 3-under 33. The strong start carried over to the back nine as Botta birdied six holes, including four of his final six to finish in 5-under 31.
For many years Botta has been a member of the Italian National Team and last year he represented Italy at the World University Games in South Korea.
Penn State sophomore Evan Santa finished the first day of play in second place following a 6-under 66. Santa started on the 10th hole and was 2-under following his opening nine holes of the day. With the front nine still remaining Santa jump started his round with an eagle three on the par-5 first hole. Two more birdies followed on Nos. 4 and 5, pushing Santa to second place.
Four players; Blake Messer (Auburn), Jack Gianniny (Delaware), Bennett Buch and Michael VanDeventer (Ball State) are all tied for third at 4-under.
Results: Northern Amateur
| Place | Player | Location | Pts | Scores |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stow, OH | 400 | 71-66-69=206 | |
| T2 | , Italy | 300 | 64-70-76=210 | |
| T2 | Trophy Club, TX | 300 | 71-68-71=210 | |
| T4 | Muskegon, MI | 200 | 69-70-72=211 | |
| T4 | , Australia | 200 | 69-75-67=211 |
About the Northern Amateur
Popular national amateur tournament played from 1967-2001 (with a solid list of past champions) returned to the schedule in 2011. 54-hole stroke play championship with a field of 96 players. Par-3 contest held after round 1.
Most Popular Articles
2025 PGA TOUR Q-School Guide: Sites, Scores, and Who Advanced
Dec 5, 2025Second Stage is complete and Final Stage awaits at Sawgrass — follow every Q-School leaderboard and the players still chasing
2025 LPGA TOUR Q-Series: Final Qualifying Stage FINAL SCORING
Dec 8, 2025Helen Briem earns medalist honors, 31 players headed to the LPGA next year
2025 PGA TOUR Q-School Final Stage: Ewart Leads Five New TOUR Card Winners
Dec 14, 2025A.J. Ewart topped Final Stage at TPC Sawgrass, leading five players who secured PGA TOUR membership for 2026.
Australian Open at Royal Melbourne: Preview, amateur bios, and how to watch
Nov 30, 2025Rory McIlroy headlines one of the championship's top fields in years - at least four amateurs will have their chance at glory
Inside Gil Hanse’s Restoration of Baltusrol’s Upper Course: A Return to Tillinghast’s
Dec 11, 2025Renowned architect Gil Hanse reveals how he brought Baltusrol’s Upper Course back to life by honoring A.W. Tillinghast’s original