The event is now down to 16 players. There is some extreme talent left with George Gandranata (2009 NCGA Champ and #2 in NCGA points), Geoff Gonzalez (2009 State Amateur Champ and 5th in NCGA points), Scott Hardy (2-time US Mid Amateur semi-finalist), Ricky Stockton (3rd in 2009 NCGA points), and Randy Haag (NCGA 2009 Player of the year, and the only past champ left in the tournament (1999), all strong contenders.

With rain forecast thru the week, it looks like another very wet weekend ahead, and unfortunately Harding with no drainage in the fairways could be close to unplayable. But the “City” will go on, and in two weeks the 2010 SF City Champ will have survived one of the games toughest events to win. The back to back 36 holes in the semis and finals will test those that survive to the max as mental and physical fatigue will play a major role in the final outcome.

The tournament will resume next Saturday, February 27.

Match Play Highlights: (courtesy Randy Haag blog)

Brothers Galletti Square Off -- Brothers Nicolo and Roberto Galletti played in front of Randy in what he described as “a very close and intense match.” Haag is impressed with both players, having been paired with both of them twice, once in the final round of the amateurgolf.com Christmas Classic at Del Monte in December, and then again recently the final day at the amateurgolf.com Wine County Cup at Stonetree GC. According to Randy, “Both these guys can play, but can you imagine being over 20 years old and playing your 14 year old brother?” While the official results only show “Galletti, 2 and 1” we checked with the pro shop and determined that Roberto in fact defeated his younger brother.

A road closure makes it tough for Donovan -- Darryl Donovan got a bad break before he even reached the course. On his way from Gilroy, a long drive as it is, he found that 101 had come to a complete stop. The CHP had closed the 101 in south San Jose due to some downed power lines. Unfortunately for Darryl, he had to somehow get off the freeway and speed the rest of the way, arriving 5 minutes before his starting time. This glitch did not bode well for Darryl as he fell 6 down after 9 holes to George Gandranata.

And what about Randy’s match? To quote Randy directly: "Today, my worthy opponent Scott Roak probably didn’t play his best game or even his average game, but he is a fine gentleman and fierce competitor and I enjoyed being in his group with his dad, Bob for two days. This is again, what I love about amateur golf and the competition; you’ll meet a lot of great new people! My first tee shot of the match was a snap hook off the 1st tee that resembled my 1st two tee shots off #1 last year when I played in the British Senior Open at Sunningdale. Like many of the greatest players in the game have always said, that first tee shot off #1 comes with butterflies, I know they’ll be there, and I look forward to them. Fortunately I was able to snap hook a 6 iron from behind the left trees onto the back fringe and make par. Losing the first hole is never a way to start a match. After the quick hook on #1 I was able to get my driver going for the rest of the round."

-- excerpts from Randy Haags blog were used in this report