Kyle Pearson of Meridian Golf Club, who traveled up to the Vail area Wednesday evening after winning the boys title in the Colorado Junior Match Play, didn’t let a little fatigue stop him from continuing his strong play Thursday in the first round of the CGA Amateur Championship.
The 18-year-old from Highlands Ranch (pictured) made an eagle and six birdies on Thursday en route to a 4-under-par 67 at the Sonnenalp Club in Edwards. That gave the incoming Colorado Mesa University golfer a one-stroke lead with three rounds left in the championship.
The 2016 5A state high school champion and 2017 CGA Match Play runner-up, Pearson eagled the 553-yard sixth hole and sprinkled six birdies and four bogeys over his card. Not bad for a guy who played five rounds in three days Monday through Wednesday at the Colorado Junior Match Play.
John Souza of Colorado National Golf Club, a University of Colorado golfer, stands in second place after a round of 68 which featured five birdies.
University of Denver golfer Chris Korte from Lone Tree Golf Club, who’s attempting to become the first person since 2009 to sweep the CGA Match Play and Amateur titles in the same year, opened with a 69, leaving him tied for third place with Glenn Workman of Desert Hawk Golf Course in Pueblo West. Workman, a University of Wyoming golfer, played his final six holes in 4 under par. Korte won the CGA Amateur two years ago.
In all, 10 players broke par in round 1, which was delayed twice by lightning, for a total of 2 1/2 hours.
Defending champion Colin Prater of The Broadmoor Golf Club struggled to a 7-over-par 78 in round 1, leaving him in 58th place.
The field will be cut from 83 to the top 40 players and ties after Friday’s second round, then the championship will continue through Sunday.
This year marks the first time since 2003 that the CGA Amateur has been contested in western Colorado.
For scores from the Sonnenalp Club, CLICK HERE.
