PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. (July 11, 2008)--Matthew Hollinsead has seized the lead after one round of the NCGA Amateur Stroke Play Championship.
The Wildhawk member turned in a sterling 5-under-par 67 to establish a one-stroke advantage over John Balfanz of Scratch Players. Two Olympic Club members, Andrew Biggadike (right) and Jon Peterson, are two strokes back after firing three-under 69s.
Low scoring was the name of the game with nine players in red numbers on the 6,746-yard Poppy Hills. Hollinsead, who lost the Sacramento City in a playoff at Haggin Oaks a month ago, had a scorecard with no blemishes and five birdies.
Defending champion Casey Boyns, who essentially wrapped up an unprecedented fourth player of the year award with a win in this event a year ago, posted a one-over 73 and is six strokes back.
The championship continues with the second round Saturday at Poppy Hills after which there will be a cut to the low 40 scores and ties for the final round on Sunday.
--Courtesy NCGA
NCGA Stroke Play: Hollinsead leads
Matthew Hollinsead's 5-under first round puts him in first-day lead