Esbenshade Paces Mid-Am Qualifier
EXTON, Pa. - Chris Esbenshade of Bent Creek CC fired a 2-under par 70 to lead four players under par as he won medalist honors at today's Eastern qualifier for the 21st Middle-Amateur Championship, presented by Allegheny Health Network.
"The main key for me today was the putter," Esbenshade said. "The ball was just going in today."
Esbenshade began his round with four straight pars before sandwiching a birdie at the par-4 6th hole between bogeys at the fifth and seventh holes. After five straight pars, he made his move on the back nine, notching birdies at holes 14 through 16 to solidify his position in red numbers atop the leaderboard.
For Esbenshade, the round validated a summer that has shown a lot of potential for him.
"I was playing really well throughout most of the summer," he said. "Then, I started to struggle a bit. But today, I was able to put it all together."
Joining Esbenshade in red numbers was a trio of players - Thomas Timby, Jr. (Bucks Club), Douglas Gregor (Huntingdon Valley CC) and Michael Hyland (Makefield Highlands GC).
Timby had two birdies against three bogeys in his round yet was able to finish under par thanks to an eagle on the par-5 ninth hole (498 yards). Gregor had four birdies and an eagle en route to his 71. Hyland, meanwhile, put himself in position to advance with a run of five consecutive birdies (#12 to #16) on the back nine.
A total of 35 players qualified for the championship proper, which will be held on Sept. 15-16 at Moselem Springs GC.Â
One more qualifier will be held, for the western part of the commonwealth, on Sept. 2 at Wildwood GC.
The Pennsylvania Golf Association would like to thank Whitford CC for its hospitality in hosting the event. Also, a special thanks to Allegheny Health Network for presenting the event.