Elliott leads the AGC San Diego Amateur as Aviara bares its teeth

16 Dec 2019
by AmateurGolf.com Staff
see also: AmateurGolf.com 2023 San Diego Amateur (North) presented by Callaway Golf, Aviara Golf Club, Jake Elliott Profile
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- Aviara photo

Jake Elliott (Trabuco Canyon, Calif.) shot an even-par 72 to take a two-shot first round lead in the AmateurGolf.com San Diego Amateur at Aviara Golf Club.

The site of the LPGA Tour's Kia Classic got the better of the field on Monday, as only the 21-year-old Elliott was able to match par. In fact, less than half of the field broke 80 as the high rough and shifting winds kept par well protected.

Elliott offset atwo bogeys and a double with four birdies as he grabbed a two-shot lead over UC-Davis sophomore Shane Muldowney (Carlsbad, Calif.). Muldowney was languishing at 6 over par through 11 holes but rallied for four birdies coming in to put himself in contention.

28-year-old Andrew Thurman (Orange, Calif.) and 18-year-old Daniel Nunez (Los Angeles, Calif.) share third after rounds of 75. Thurman played the 17th and 18th in even par, but in the most unusual of ways--a double bogey at the scoreable par-5 followed by a hole-out eagle on maybe the hardest par-4 on the course.

In the Senior Division, Jim Ream (Cerritos, Calif.) shot a 1-over 73 to lead by two shots over Kevin Velligan (Camarillo, Calif.) and Todd Palmaer (Corona del Mar, Calif.). In all, 13 players are within five shots of the lead going into Sunday's final round.

Jaime Jacob (Encinitas, Calif.) of Cal San Marcos leads the Women's division by three shots over Marie Dean (Davis, Calif.) of Cal State L.A.

The round of the day might just have been turned in by 70-year-old Michael Massery (Del Mar, Calif.), who recorded seven net birdies for a 3-under 69 to lead the Net Division by five shots over James Grieves (San Diego, Calif.).

The tournament concludes on Sunday morning with the final round, with the rough freshly cut and hopefully some good numbers in store.

ABOUT THE AGC San Diego Amateur

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*An SCGA Points Event*

The San Diego Amateur returns to Aviara Golf Club in Carlsbad. Once again we are going to be treated like pros at one of the best venues in Southern California, Aviara Golf Club -- as seen on TV during the LPGA's Kia Classic played in March!

This is a gross competition with Championship, Senior and Net divisions.

Your entry fee includes 2 rounds of golf with cart, prizes, trophies for division winners, and the opportunity to play a Tour-proven golf course in a competitive setting. Special rates for practice rounds and lodging will be offered.

DIVISIONS

CHAMPIONSHIP
For players aged 16 and over who have a USGA or equivalent index of less than 5.5

SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP
For players age 50 and over (as of the tournament date) with a handicap index of less than 8.0. Note: Must be 55 and over for NCGA Senior Points.

NET
For players 16 and over with handicap between 5.5 and 18.0.

MID-AM (subdivision of Championship)
For players age 25- 49. Compete alongside the younger players in the Championship Division, (same tees, same prize opportunities) and if there are at least six Mid- Ams, a separate prize and trophy will be awarded.

SUPER SENIORS (subdivision of Senior)
For players age 65+. Compete alongside the younger senior players in the Senior Division, (same tees, same prize opportunities) and if there are at least six players 65 or over, a separate prize and trophy will be awarded for low super senior.

WOMEN (subdivision of Championship)
Will play in the Championship Division but from a shorter tee. If there are at least six women in the field, a separate prize and trophy will be awarded.