At Pacific Grove, Schmidt and Haag aim for second win of 2023

Scotland Schmidt (San Diego, Calif.) shot a 1-under 69 at Pacific Grove (Calif.) Golf Links to share the lead as he pursues a second-straight AmateurGolf.com title.

Schmidt, who last month pulled ahead late at San Diego Country Club to take the AG San Diego Amateur (South) title, offset three bogeys with four birdies at a Pacific Grove course that yard-for-yard defends its par as well as any course in the state.

The 5727-yard gem known as the "Poor Man's Pebble Beach" only surrendered two under-par rounds in the Championship division despite favorable weather conditions. Edan Cui (Atherton, Calif.), the last player into the field, also posted a 69 with three birdies and two dropped shots.

It'll be a tight battle on Sunday, as there are 13 players within 3 shots of the lead.

Schmidt has a 2-shot lead for the low Mid-Amateur prize over John McCord of Oakland.

In the Senior division, a familiar name put himself into contention for another AG title. Randy Haag (Orinda, Calif.), who has won numerous AG titles over the last 20 years, shot a 1-under 69 to take a one-shot lead over Craig Calkins (Manhattan Beach, Calif.) and Patrick Henry (Elk Grove, Calif.).

Haag is attempting to win his second tournament this month, having captured the inaugural Soboba Senior Classic in SoCal by a shot.

The key stretch for Haag was 4 birdies in 5 holes starting on the 12th.

Calkins has a 4-shot lead for the low Super Senior prize.

In the Net division, Butch Pirrone (Modesto, Calif.) rode an eagle and six birdies to a 4-under 66 and a 6-shot lead over Jimmy Roam (Phoeniz, Ariz.).