Joey Russo takes lead at Christmas Classic in Monterey

12/6/2014 | by AmateurGolf.com Staff

Joey Russo of Monterey fires a bogey free round of 69 to take the first round lead at Del Monte

MONTEREY, Calif. (December 6, 2014) -- At Del Monte Golf Course, Monterey's own Joey Russo shot a 3-under 69 to open the 30th Annual Christmas Classic. Russo's bogey-free effort was good for a one shot lead over St. Mary's College standout Hunter Rappleye of Elk Grove. Five others stand three shots back, including defending champ Daniel Connolly of San Francisco, who won in dramatic fashion last year with a final round 64. Russo's card was well rounded, he had one birdie on a par three (the tricky 4th, a 210 yarder), one birdie on a par four (the short 10th) and one birdie on a par 5 (No. 17). In the seniors, Scott Anderson of Danville shot 73 for a one shot lead over three players including Jim Knoll of Sunnyvale, tournament founder Casey Boyns of Pacific Grove, and Dale Bouguennec of Pleasant Hill. With four others in the stacked senior field within two shots of the lead, Sunday's finish should be interesting. The course held up well against a week of on-and-off rain with a final downpour Friday night that left many wondering if AmateurGolf.com's weather luck would hold out. (Of course it did, the day was 65 and sunny.) The Net Division has Charles Balisha from Turlock Country Club with a whopping seven shot lead on the field. His net score of 3-under 69 was the only under par round in his division. ABOUT THE CHRISTMAS CLASSIC The Christmas Classic is still referred to by many regular players as the "Casey's" because it was originally called the "Casey's Christmas Classic" when 2-time California Amateur champ Casey Boyns founded it 30 years ago. The venue has changed a few times over the years, but Del Monte has hosted more than 25 playings and has become a player favorite.

Results: AGC Christmas Classic

Place	Player	Location	Pts	Scores
1	Tanner Hughes	Livermore, CA	100	71-68=139
2	Riley Elmes	Lake Oswego, OR	65	71-70=141
3	Clayton Madey	West Linn, OR	30	72-72=144
T4	Miguel Delgado	Novato, CA	30	71-74=145
T4	Stephen Griggs	Carmichael, CA	30	71-74=145

View full results for AGC Christmas Classic

About the AGC Christmas Classic

2025 GolfGenius PortalThe Christmas Classic was founded by 2-time California State Amateur Champion Casey Boyns over 20 years ago and it always attracts a great field. This is our most popular event, and year in and year out it sells out. Field limit...

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