On a trying, windy day in which less than a third of the field broke 80, Steve Ivan of Patty Jewett Golf Course in Colorado Springs managed a nice and steady even-par 72 that gave him a two-stroke lead after Tuesday’s first round of the 46th CGA Senior Amateur at Meridian Golf Club in Englewood.
Ivan, a former University of Colorado golfer, made four birdies, two bogeys and a double bogey on the day, and overcame two 6s on his card.
Shane Unfred of Highland Meadows Golf Course, Scott Sullivan of Bookcliff Country Club and John Hornbeck of Saratoga, Wyo., share second place after opening with 74s. Hornbeck, who competed in the 2016 U.S. Senior Open, made three birdies on Tuesday, while Unfred and Sullivan managed two each.
Tied in fifth place at 75 were three-time champion Robert Polk of Colorado Golf Club and Bob Schuler of Inverness Golf Club. They each carded two birdies in the first round.
Meanwhile, Tuesday proved a struggle for numerous players who have won this championship. Defending champ Kevin Ott of The Club at Rolling Hills shot an 85, while David Delich of The Broadmoor Golf Club carded an 84, Bill Fowler of Rolling Hills an 83, Charlie Post of Colorado Golf Club an 82 and Kent Moore of Cherry Hills Country Club and Harry Johnson of Eagle Ranch Golf Course a pair of 80s. And 2017 CGA Senior Match Play winner Pat Bucci of West Woods Golf Club opened with an 82.
The 54-hole championship, limited to players 51 and older, will continue through Thursday. The field will be cut to the low 40 players and ties after two rounds.
For all the scores from the CGA Senior Amateur, CLICK HERE.
