Crowded leaderboard after Day 1

June 16, 2014

Round 1 Results Images

The term "It's lonely at the top" doesn't apply to the 103rd California Amateur Championship. In fact, it's pretty darn crowded up there.

At the conclusion of Round 1 of the 2014 playing of most prestigious amateur golf event in California, six golfers sit at the top of the leaderboard after shooting impressive rounds of 3-under-par 69 on either the Legends or Champions Courses at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa. Each participant in the field of 154 golfers will switch courses Tuesday, attempting to make the top 32 and advance on to the championship's match play portion.

"I'm trying to get the lowest score I can in stroke play, there's no reason for me to be satisfied with just a top 32," said Beau Hossler, 2013 SCGA Amateur Champion, who shot his 69 Monday on the Legends Course. "I want to go out there and be the medalist. That's the goal. I feel like the golf course is set up well for me so I'm going to go out there tomorrow and attack and use the strengths of my game."

Hossler took advantage of the strengths in his game early in his round Monday, making the turn at -4 after a clean front nine of four birdies and five pars. An even par back 9 was a welcomed sight for the University of Texas golfer, as the winds picked up, making conditions a lot harder.

"Coming in on the back 9 things definitely got tougher, but the course was great and I was fortunate enough to make enough up and downs. Just looking forward to getting back out here tomorrow."

Overall, the Legends Course played about two strokes easier than the Champions Course. Of the six leaders, just two played the Champions course Monday. Joining Hossler at the top of the leaderboard is Trevor Clayton, Ryan Knop, Will Brueckner, Matt Hansen, and Jason Anthony, who all shot 3-under 69s. On hand to witness the action was Damian Pascuzzo, who with his design partner Steve Pate recently redesigned both Omni La Costa courses.

"The Legends Course is resisting scoring quite nicely," said Pascuzzo. "I think right around par, 1-over-par is going to be a great number to get somebody within that 32-man cut."

Tuesday's tee times begin at 7:30 a.m. The top 32 men will then advance to the Rd. of 32 on Wednesday. A playoff will occur to identify the top 32 if necessary.

Schedule of Events

Monday, June 16 - 154 players compete in stroke play. Tee times starting between 7:30-11:40 a.m. on both Champions and Legends Courses

Tuesday, June 17 - 154 players compete in stroke play. Tee times starting between 7:30-11:40 a.m. on both Champions and Legends Courses

Wednesday, June 18 - 32 competitors compete in first round of match play on Champions Course starting at 7:30 a.m.

Thursday, June 19 - 16 competitors compete in second round of match play on Champions Course starting at 7:30 a.m.

Friday, June 20 - Quarterfinal matches, followed by semifinal matches, on Champions Course starting at 7:30 a.m.

Saturday, June 21 - 36-hole final match on the Champions Course starting at 7:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.



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