California Senior: Burda Leads by Two

FRESNO, Calif. (Nov. 1, 2010) – Modesto’s Jeff Burda, seeking his third straight California State Senior Championship, is out to a two stroke lead after the first round at Ft. Washington GCC in Fresno. The 57-year-old recently made a run to the semifinals of the USGA Senior Amateur at Lake Nona in Orlando, Florida, and has dominated this event the past two years at Poppy Hills. Earlier in the year, the Del Rio member captured the NCGA Senior for the second time and finished runner-up at the NCGA Senior Valley. Burda carded a stellar four-under 68 on the 6,563-yard course in a round that featured seven birdies. After 16 years of hosting the event at the home course of the NCGA, Poppy Hills, the CGA Board has decided to rotate the championship between north and south venues. Burda’s four-ball partner, Jim Knoll,is second after an opening 70 while NCGA Senior Match Play Champion Dan Bieber is third, three back of Burda. After tomorrow’s second round, there is a cut to the 33 low scores plus ties for the final round Wednesday at Ft. Washington.