Clay Guerin opens four-stroke Alabama Mid-Amateur lead

MOBILE, AL (September 24, 2016) -- Clay Guerin of Hoover fired a 4-under 67 to take a four shot lead heading into the final round of the 28th Alabama State Mid-Amateur Championship at the Country Club of Mobile. His round included six birdies offset by two bogeys. He stands at 7-under 135 with 2014 champion Vic Kyatt III of Birmingham as his nearest chaser at 3-under 139.

Only four players are under par after 36 holes. Joining Guerin and Kyatt is Alabama USGA Men’s State Team member Matt Johnson of Dothan at 2- under 140 and 2009 champion Robert Nelson of Fairhope at 1-under 141.

The field of 82 players was cut to the low 60 scores and ties for the final round. The cut line fell at 19-over 161, with 63 players advancing to Sunday’s final round.

ROUND ONE RECAP

Claud Cooper of Birmingham and Clay Guerin of Hoover each fired a 3-under 68 to share the first round lead of the Alabama Mid-Amateur at the Country Club of Mobile.

One shot back after an opening round of 2- under 69 is 2014 champion Vic Kyatt III of Birmingham and Country Club of Mobile member Matt Ritchie of Mobile.

Six players broke par on the 6,748 yard Donald Ross design with the field averaging 77.6 for round one.

Defending champion Jeff Taylor of Montgomery is not in this year’s field to defend the title he won last year at his home course, Wynlakes Golf & Country Club.

After 36-holes the field of 82 players will be cut to the low 60 scores and ties for the final round.