Josh McCarthy with AGC founder Pete Wlodkowski (AGC photo)
ALAMEDA, Calif. (Dec. 15, 2018) -- On a day manufactured for golf, players from across the state teed it up Saturday morning for the very first official AmateurGolf.com tournament at the company’s official home course, Corica Park.
Inquisitive minds were wondering what to expect from the newly constructed Rees Jones layout, where a professional has already posted a round of 63. What scores might we see from some of the top amateur players in the area on a day where conditions were seemingly fashioned for scoring?
Ultimately, the greens had the final say in the matter. At Corica Park, they are large, fast, and roll true as any you might come across playing public golf (or private, for that matter). But while they are undeniably of high caliber, the greens did prove a worthy challenge for players in the afternoon.
Pepperdine’s Joshua McCarthy posted the only round in the 60s on Saturday to lead the event, AmateurGolf.com's last tournament of the year. McCarthy, the top-ranked player in the field this weekend at No. 24, began his round on the back nine, where he made five straight pars before his first birdie on the 15th hole, a short par 5. McCarthy’s biggest moments would come later in his round, when he dropped bombs on the sixth and seventh holes to solidify his lead.
Scout McNealy, younger brother of Tour player and former Walker Cupper Maverick McNealy, and Ryan Grauman, the 2018 Alameda Commuters Cup Champion, both find themselves a shot back of McCarthy with hopes of catching him on Sunday.
Bobby Davis, the 2018 Napa Senior Champion, leads the senior field after posting the only under-par round of the day in the division, a 1-under 69.
Tammy Lim has a stronghold on the women’s division after managing a 5-over 77 on the challenging South Course layout. It gave her a five-shot cushion on the women's field.
John O’Malley leads the net division by a shot after posting a 71 for the only under-par net score, which gives testimony to how hard the course is playing this week.
The event will continue Sunday morning, with tee times beginning at 8:00 a.m.
ABOUT THE AGC Winter Invitational
The Winter Invitational is now open to all
players who satisfy the handicap
requirements.
Join us at the completely renovated Corica Park
South Course
Course in one of three fields: scratch, senior
scratch, and net. The tournament will be
contested in
threesomes to ensure a speedy pace for all.
Players age 25 and over compete in the
Championship Division, (same tees, same prize
opportunities)
and if there are at least 10 Mid-Ams, a
separate
prize will be awarded.
View Complete Tournament Information