Jim Cilley (NHGA/Twitter photo)
Newbury, N.H. (Oct. 3, 2018) – Jim Cilley, Nick MacDonald and James Pleat are all at the top of the leaderboard following the second round of the Robert H. Elliott Mid-Amateur Championship presented by Imperial Headwear. All three have had their time in the spotlight winning this championship – Cilley in 2008, MacDonald in 2016, and Pleat in 2017.
Cilley, who had a strong second round at Baker Hill Golf Club, finds himself in the lead at 5-under par. Cilley fired 1-under 71 in the first round and 4-under 68 in the second round, gaining all his ground on his opening nine in the second round where he made five birdies and one bogey. His second nine included one birdie and one bogey to finish out the round at 4-under par.
“I got a new putter in the bag, it’s been working really well for me,” said Cilley, who made numerous birdie putts on his way to 5-under par. In the first round, Cilley drained a 50-foot putt on the 15th hole for eagle.
Cilley has been in this position before, including being in the final group of the tournament the last few years, but not being able to seal the deal.
“I don’t really have a number in mind for tomorrow,” he said. “I just want to play how I’ve been playing.”
On his heels is Nick MacDonald, a Baker Hill member who also fired a low round in the second round with a 3-under 69. With an opening-round 71, he began Round 2 tied for the lead with Cilley and James Pleat. Starting on the back nine on Wednesday, he made one error with a double bogey on the 11th hole but went on to card five birdies to get to 3 under for the round and 4 under for the tournament. MacDonald certainly has the capability to take advantage of his position given how far he hits the ball and his local knowledge.
Defending New Hampshire Mid-Amateur Champion James Pleat is just two back of leader Jim Cilley after matching MacDonald’s 69 in Round 2. Pleat, who shot even-par 72 in the first round, also made five birdies in the second round but one double bogey cost him two shots on his opening nine holes. Last year, Pleat had a come-from-behind win to take the 2017 Mid-Amateur title.
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ABOUT THE
New Hampshire Mid-Amateur
The tournament will consist of 54 holes
stroke
play with a cut for Saturday to low 27
players
and ties. Entries are
open to male members in good standing
of
member NHGA Clubs who are legal
residents of
New Hampshire. Applicants must be 30
years
of age by the first day of the tournament.
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