The Golfweek Senior amateur circuit made its annual stop at Wine Country.
Wine Valley Golf Club is located in Walla Walla in Washington. It was designed by Dan Hixson and uses the natural beauty of southeastern Washington, in the shadow of Blue Mountains. Wine Valley Golf Club is one of the most challenging courses in the Pacific Northwest. With its open fairways, few trees and undulating greens, it’s a course that will test your skills.
Two men used these features to their advantage and took the lead in their respective age groups.
Super Seniors (65-69)
Scott Masingill, 72 years old, had the best round of the day. He shot a 7-under-par 65 with no bogeys to gain an eight-stroke advantage in the Super Senior age group.
“I have played this course quite a lot,” Masingell saidspanstyle=”font weight: 400 ;”>. It’s one of my favorites courses that I have played. My game has improved in the last two months. It’s all about confidence. .”
Masingell, a native of Idaho, has much to be confident about. Masingell started his score early with four birdies in his first seven golf holes. He kept his game in cruise control and parred the following seven holes, before adding three birdies consecutively on hole nos. 15-17. Masingell needed to make a 4-footer to par on 18 to maintain his round without bogeys, and he found the bottom.
He said: “I was a bit nervous and sweaty at the last hole.” “I was very proud that I managed to putt it right in the middle, despite feeling some pressure on the last hole. I am very pleased with my performance. I have been working hard on my fitness and game and I achieved a good result .”
Masingill has played with some of the best. He has won a U.S. Open and two Senior Opens as well as a U.S. Am, two U.S. Mid-Ams, and a U.S. Am.
How will he tackle the next 36 holes of golf?
With a lead this big, I am really only competing against myself. Just don’t get distracted by it and [focus] one shot at a cliche. It’s only possible to play .”
George Walker (No. Frank Maxwell and George Walker are tied for second place at 1 over in the Golfweek Super Senior Rankings.
Seniors (55-64)
Jerry Gunthrope, from Michigan, is leading the Senior Division after his first round of 65 at 5-under. The week started off badly for him, when his driver shaft snapped during his flight to the West Coast.
Gunthorpe found a similar shaft in a shop 45 minutes away from the course. He was able put it into play on Monday, but didn’t feel comfortable using it all day. Gunthorpe relied on his driving irons and woods to make up the majority of his game.
“I hit a lot good wedges,” Gunthorpe statedspanstyle=”font weight: 400 ;”>. “I made many birdies with my wedges .”.
Gunthorpe is not satisfied with his current game and wants to improve his par-5 scoring, as well as his approach and tee shots. If Gunthorpe can lock in those aspects of his game, the Michigander could have a tough week for the other players.
Bradley Karns, Jon Lindstrom and others will be looking to continue their winning streak with identical 68s on Tuesday. Seven other golfers have par or higher.
Legends (70-74)
Kerry Booth (+4) has a two stroke lead over Greg Tatham.
Super Legends (75+)
Bill Engel shot an even-par round to take a two-shot advantage over Greg Mokler.
