NOW PLAYING: 2026 George C. Thomas Invitational Returns to LACC's North Course

Stephen Hale, who played at the University of California, carded a 2-under 68 to lead the Mid-Am division after Thursday's opening round at LACC North. The Bakersfield Country Club member made the turn at 34 and matched it coming home—34—for his two-shot advantage. Patrick Christovich (New Orleans CC) and Jack Barber (La Jolla CC) share second at 1-over 71. In the Senior division, Claud Cooper (Country Club of Birmingham) fired a 1-under 69—33 on the front, 36 on the back—to hold a one-stroke lead over Jerry Gunthorpe (Owosso CC), who sits at even par.

Stephen Hale (Bakersfield CC) and Jeffrey Swegle (The Palms) are tied atop the leaderboard at 1-under par in the opening round at Los Angeles Country Club's North Course. Hale has completed nine holes while Swegle is through one. Three players—Miguel Ordonez (Santa Maria), Charlie Holland (Lakewood CC), and Michael Barbosa (Seminole)—sit at even par. Patrick Christovich (New Orleans CC) posted the first completed round, a 1-over 71, and is tied for sixth with three others at plus-1. The 2025 runner-up Hale, who finished 10 shots behind Drew Kittleson last year, has made an early move in his bid for the title.