Liam Koeneke posts 66 to take first round lead at AG San Diego Amateur

January 9, 2023 | by AmateurGolf.com Staff

First round leader Liam Koeneke

The San Diego State Aztec birdied the first two holes at his home club, and never looked back

Sometimes all you need is a good break to keep a round going.

Today at the AG San Diego Amateur presented by Callaway Golf, Liam Koeneke birdied his first two holes and was 2-under on the 8th tee. With a water hazard guarding the green of the reachable par-5, Koeneke pushed his second shot.

"I wasn't sure it would clear the hazard," said the San Diego State golfer from Del Mar.

Koeneke took advantage of his fortune, birdied the hole, and added another at the 9th to shoot 32 on the front nine. He went eagle-birdie on Nos. 14 and 15 to get to 7-under on the day then bogeyed 18 for a 2-shot lead at 6-under 66.

Trailing Koeneke at 4-under are Mid-Amateur Scotland Schmidt of San Diego, and Zack Missigman of Goodyear, Arizona. Missigman plays for St. Mary's University.

Jim Plotkin of Carlsbad leads the Senior Division by three shots after a 2-under 70. Brian Smyth of North Tustin (73) and Jim Ream of Cerritos (74) are in close pursuit.

Scotland Schmidt is five shots clear of his next competitor (La Jolla's Matt Peterson, who posted 73) in the Mid-Am subdivision. David Ujihara (77), Dennis McKinley (78) and Jim Saivar (79) are 1-2-3 in the Super Senior subdivision.

Steven Moran of San Diego and Maurice Choi of Lake Havasu City, AZ lead the Net Division at 1-over 73 net.

Results: AGC San Diego Amateur

Place	Player	Location	Pts	Scores
1	Scotland Schmidt	San Diego, CA	100	68-68=136
2	Liam Koeneke	Del Mar, CA	65	66-72=138
3	Zack Missigman	Goodyear, AZ	30	68-73=141
T4	Matthew Manganello	Las Vegas, NV	30	71-71=142
T4	Matthew Moss	San Diego, CA	30	70-72=142

View full results for AGC San Diego Amateur

About the AGC San Diego Amateur

Liam Koeneke posts 66 to take first round lead at AG San Diego Amateur

>> TOUR PORTAL The San Diego Amateur revisits, the Steele Canyon Golf Club. Steele Canyon is a dramatic layout with three distinct nines and picture- postcard views. Your entry fee includes 2 rounds of golf, cart fee, range balls, prizes, trophies fo...