Knodt builds 4-shot lead in opening round of SCGA Super Sr

OJAI, Calif. (Sept. 11, 2018) – Kemp Richardson is aiming for a third consecutive title run at the SCGA Super Senior Amateur. To pull it off, however, Richardson needs a big final day at Ojai Valley Inn & Spa.

Richardson, a Laguna Niguel, Calif., resident who is also a two-time winner of the U.S. Senior Amateur Championship, will enter the final round as part of a three-man tie for second, four shots off the pace. His opening 2-over 72 included four bogeys before he kicked his game into gear and birdied Nos. 12 and 14 coming in.

Howie Knodt of Pauma Valley, Calif., is the leader at 2-under 68. Knodt built a nice cushion for himself through 18 holes, and it could have been even bigger. Knodt had three birdies on the day, and made his first and only bogey at No. 17.

Two other golfers are tied for second along with Richardson. Those include Steven Hakes of San Diego and Frank Pieper of Carmel, Calif.

Five players are tied for fifth at 3 over, including James Saivar, John Minteer, Rick Doebler and Scott Parker.