Experienced Ledzinski goes for historic NCGA Stroke Play title

Monterey Peninsula Country Club member Jerry Ledzinski is a day away from winning his third career NCGA title. But he’s got lots of company near the top of the NCGA Amateur Stroke Play Championship.

Ledzinski, the defending NCGA Valley Amateur champion and winner of the 2015 NCGA Mid-Amateur, will take a one-shot lead into the final round after carding an even-par 71 in Saturday’s fog shrouded second round at Poppy Hills Golf Course. The 46-year-old Ledzinski, who would become one of the event’s oldest winners with a victory, has a two-day total of 3-under 139.

A day after shooting a 68 with five birdies, Ledzinski had three birdies to go against three bogeys.

As for those in pursuit, the closet is University of San Francisco junior Alex Chin. Chin who played in eight events for the Dons last season, is at 140 after his second straight 70. After carding a front-nine 31, Chin would be slowed by a pair of double-bogeys on the back-nine (No.10 and No.14).

In a tie for third at 141, just two shots back, are former Cal standout Ian Dahl and recent California Amateur runner-up Christian Banke. Both had rounds of 69.

Dahl, who carded five birdies, was also stung by a double-bogey on the 14th. A wild round for Banke featured only six pars. The San Diego State sophomore also had seven birdies and five bogeys.

Alone in fifth place at 142 following a 70 is Jason Anthony. Anthony entered the event leading the standings for NCGA Player of the Year honors. The Olympic Club member won this year’s Mid-Amateur Championship just over a month ago at Poppy Hills.

The low round of the day was a 67 by E-club East Bay member Josh Diaz. First round co-leader Ryan Grauman fell back to T-7 after a 76. The cutline came at 8-over 150.