Josh McCarthy with AGC founder Pete Wlodkowski (AGC photo)
ALAMEDA, Calif. (Dec. 15, 2018) -- On a day manufactured for golf, players from across the state teed it up Saturday morning for the very first official AmateurGolf.com tournament at the company’s official home course, Corica Park.
Inquisitive minds were wondering what to expect from the newly constructed Rees Jones layout, where a professional has already posted a round of 63. What scores might we see from some of the top amateur players in the area on a day where conditions were seemingly fashioned for scoring?
Ultimately, the greens had the final say in the matter. At Corica Park, they are large, fast, and roll true as any you might come across playing public golf (or private, for that matter). But while they are undeniably of high caliber, the greens did prove a worthy challenge for players in the afternoon.
Pepperdine’s Joshua McCarthy posted the only round in the 60s on Saturday to lead the event, AmateurGolf.com's last tournament of the year. McCarthy, the top-ranked player in the field this weekend at No. 24, began his round on the back nine, where he made five straight pars before his first birdie on the 15th hole, a short par 5. McCarthy’s biggest moments would come later in his round, when he dropped bombs on the sixth and seventh holes to solidify his lead.
Scout McNealy, younger brother of Tour player and former Walker Cupper Maverick McNealy, and Ryan Grauman, the 2018 Alameda Commuters Cup Champion, both find themselves a shot back of McCarthy with hopes of catching him on Sunday.
Bobby Davis, the 2018 Napa Senior Champion, leads the senior field after posting the only under-par round of the day in the division, a 1-under 69.
Tammy Lim has a stronghold on the women’s division after managing a 5-over 77 on the challenging South Course layout. It gave her a five-shot cushion on the women's field.
John O’Malley leads the net division by a shot after posting a 71 for the only under-par net score, which gives testimony to how hard the course is playing this week.
The event will continue Sunday morning, with tee times beginning at 8:00 a.m.
ABOUT THE AGC Winter Invitational
>> TOUR PORTAL
The Winter Invitational is now open to all
players who satisfy the handicap
requirements.
Join us at the completely renovated Corica Park
South Course -- it's the home course of
AmateurGolf.com!
This is a gross competition with Championship and
Senior divisions. There will be no Net
division.
DIVISIONS
CHAMPIONSHIP
For players aged 16 and over who have a USGA or
equivalent index of less than 5.5
SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP
For players age 50 and over (as of the tournament
date) with a handicap index of less than 8.0. Note:
Must be 55 and over for NCGA Senior Points.
MID-AM (subdivision of Championship)
For players age
25-
49. Compete alongside the younger players in the
Championship Division, (same tees, same prize
opportunities) and if there are at least six Mid-Ams,
a
separate prize and trophy will be awarded.
SUPER SENIORS (subdivision of Senior)
For players age
65+. Compete alongside the younger senior players
in
the
Senior Division, (same tees, same prize
opportunities) and if there are at least six players 65
or
over, a
separate prize and trophy will be awarded for low
super senior.
WOMEN (subdivision of Championship)
Will play in the
Championship
Division but
from a shorter tee. If there are at least six women in
the field, a separate prize and trophy will be
awarded.
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