FRANK MERHAR OF LA JOLLA LEADS SCGA SENIOR AMATEUR AFTER FIRST ROUND AT INDUSTRY HILLS' ZAHARIAS COURSE
By Robert D. Thomas Frank Merhar of La Jolla fired a 1-under-par 70 today has a one-shot lead over Robert Carver of Fullerton and Clark Heath of Coto de Caza. The 66-year-old Merhar, who won this event in 1998, posted four birdies and three bogies today and is the only player to be under par over the challenging, 6,531-yard Zaharias Course. Should he hold on tomorrow, Merhar’s 10-year span between victories would be the longest in tournament history. Ted Richards went three years between winning his third title in 1981 and his fourth in 1984. Carver, a three-time and the defending SCGA Super Senior Amateur champion, had four birdies, two bogeys and a double-bogey 7 on the 18th hole (his ninth today) to finish at even par. At age 72, Carver, who lost in a playoff to Rich Tolly last year, could become the oldest winner if he can rally tomorrow. Earlier this year, he teamed with Brian Edick to finish runner-up in the SCGA Foursomes Championship at Rancho San Marcos GC. The 56-year-old Heath played the steadiest golf all day, posting just one birdie and one bogey en route to his even-par round of 71. Chip Bridges of Encinitas posted a 1-over-par 72 today and sits in fourth place, a shot ahead of seven golfers who shot 73, including Tolly, who will try to become the fourth golfer in 31 years to win back-to-back titles. Steve Bogan of Placentia, an Industry Hills member who won this title in 2004 and 2006, shot 76 today, as did Kemp Richardson of Laguna Niguel, a former two-time USGA Senior and British Senior Open Amateur champion. Ed Holmes of Riverside, the 2007 SCGA president and current California Golf Association president, shot 77 today, while 2005 SCGA President Bill Cunerty of Mission Viejo finished with a 78 today. For complete, hole-by-hole scores, click HERE. For Round 2 pairings, click HERE. For a photo gallery of the entire field, click HERE. |
