Mid-ams Meghan Stasi, Martha Leach in the game

ORMOND BEACH, Fla. – Martha Leach tries not to think the worst when she hears this line: You don’t play too bad for a lady your age. “They mean it, they’re sincere,” insists Leach, 50, when talking about opponents half her age or younger. In that sincerity lies a good deal of truth. The 2009 U.S. Mid-Amateur champion can more than hold her own in a field of junior and college players. She shot 4-over 76 Wednesday at Oceanside Country Club to land in a tie for 12th after the first round of the South Atlantic Amateur.Photo Gallery86th Annual South Atlantic Amateur: Leach, who wears a fitted ballcap over her blonde bob and chats easily with anyone who approaches (all of whom seem to know her), is one of a large number of mid-amateur players who frequent the Orange Blossom Circuit. She’s one of only a few who remain competitive.