The AmateurGolf.com Pacific Grove Championship, presented by Callaway Golf, kicked off under ideal coastal conditions at Pacific Grove Golf Links, a city-owned gem often referred to as “The Poor Man’s Pebble Beach.” The Jack Neville-designed back nine, which runs alongside 17-Mile Drive and the Pacific Ocean, provided a stunning backdrop.
Fremont’s Alexander Pangelinan set the early pace in the men’s division, firing an impressive 7-under 63 to take the solo lead. Despite limited practice time due to Northern California’s recent weather, Pangelinan felt in control of his game, capitalizing on a strong stretch of birdies at holes 5, 6, and 7 while narrowly missing additional opportunities on 8 and 9.
“It was definitely a mental challenge more than a physical one,” said Pangelinan. “The course isn’t that long, but if you miss in the wrong spots, you can make big numbers quickly. I just focused on staying in the present, one shot at a time.”
In the women’s division, Sydney Silva of Castro Valley and a University of Arizona commit carded an even-par 72 to take the lead by two shots. A long hitter who enjoys taking aggressive lines off the tee, Silva found the layout suited her style and left herself with plenty of scoring chances.
“I had a lot of opportunities out there, and I’m ready to get back at it tomorrow,” said Silva, who is using the event as preparation for college golf next year. “The course is in great shape, and it’s been great playing against strong competition.”
With one round remaining, both leaders will look to fend off the field at one of California’s most scenic and beloved public courses.
In the Senior Division, Northern California Golf Association Hall-of-Famer Randy Haag leads the Senior Division by one shot after an opening round 2-under 68. He recorded five birdies, a double-bogey, and a bogey.
Haag is currently ranked No. 4 in the AmateurGolf.com Super Senior Rankings.
Tony Ralph, Daniel O'Connor, and Bob McCallister are all T2 at 1-under and one shot back of Haag.
Pacific Grove Golf Links offers spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, Lovers Point, Point Pinos, Crespi Pond, and Asilomar's natural sand dunes. Originally designed by Chandler Egan in 1932, the first nine holes take you through the forested areas of Pacific Grove.
Egan's nine takes you through an inland terrain and reflects much of the charm of an English rural course done in the old style. Jack Neville, the original designer of the Pebble Beach Golf Links, designed the back nine.
