Mike started the day near the top of the amateur leaderboard. His day began on the harder back nine, and it took its toll, with 4 bogies in the first 6 holes. But then 2 grind-it-out pars and off to the tough 18th.
A third straight par on 18 —where he made double on Thurs. So good momentum heading to the front 9 and its two reachable par 5s.
Birdie 1! So honors on 2—iron off the tee on short par 4 lands in bunker and leads to bogey. Long par 5 #3, where Mike rolled in eagle Thursday, ends in a routine par. So six holes to go and starting to watch the cut line. Mike’s at +6, and +9 or better plays the weekend.
Bogeys tough #4 par 3, then grinds out 4 pars. Gets to 18 needing a bogey on the short par 5. A wayward drive forces a layup to about 150 yards. Hits it to within 15 feet.
And the crowd goes wild.
Mike 2 putts for par.
Finishes +5 for the day, +7 for the tourney, 1 above the cut line and tied for low amateur. Happy belated (one day) anniversary to Mike and Marybeth! They deserve it.
