Poppy Hills Golf Course
(NCGA Photo)

Gonzalez, a member at Morgam Creek GC, took the first round lead at this year’s annual NCGA Mid-Amateur Championship on Saturday, posting a solid 4-under 67 at par-71 Poppy Hills Golf Course. The winner of this year’s Davis City Championship, Gonzalez got to 6-under with his sixth birdie of the day on the par-4 16th. He’d finish with back-to-back bogeys on the 17th and 18th holes to come back to the pack.

His nearest pursuer, Monterey Peninsula CC member Jerry Ledzinski, also had it going on opening day, carding a wild 69 that included seven birdies but also three bogeys and a double-bogey on the par-4 5th. Ledzinski is looking for his second Mid-Am title in three years, having captured the title in 2015.

In a tie for third at 70, just three behind Gonzalez, is the tandem of Jason Anthony and Bobby Bucey. Anthony, who came into the event leading in the NCGA Player of the Year points standings, posted four birdies and three bogeys. Bucey, winner of the 2014 NCGA Amateur Stroke Play Championship and co-champion of the 2015 NCGA Four-Ball Championship, had three birdies and two bogeys.

Three players came in at 71, including record six-time NCGA Player of the Year Randy Haag. The Olympic Club member, who entered the event leading the NCGA Senior Player of the Year race, would tie Casey Boyns for the most career NCGA titles (non-Senior) with a victory.

Sunday’s final round will tee off at 7:30 a.m., with the leaders going off at 9:31 a.m.