Lindholm Leans on Course Familiarity to Medal in Amateur Qualifying at North Jersey
WAYNE, N.J. - Leaning on his home course advantage, Stephen Lindholm battled to an even-par 71 to earn medalist honors in the 120th NJSGA Amateur Championship qualifier Monday at North Jersey Country Club. Twenty-one players managed the humidity and a 105-minute mid-afternoon weather delay to qualify for the championship.
Lindholm played the front nine at two-under, and bounced back from a pair of bogeys on the back nine to finish with four consecutive pars. Lindholm, a member at North Jersey Country Club, finished three strokes clear of his nearest competitor.
“Obviously, I’m comfortable on this course,” Lindholm said. “It’s my home course. I know pretty much where to hit it, where to miss it -- not that it always works out that way. I’m thrilled with my round.”
The greens were firm and extremely fast, and were only marginally softened by a mid-afternoon downpour that delayed action for nearly two hours. The 90-degree heat and lasting humidity only stiffened the conditions.
“I was just drinking like crazy,” Lindholm said. “This is usually standard weather from when we play the club championship here at the end of July. So, I’m kind of used to it.”
Zach Arsenault of Riverton Country Club shot three-over par 74 to finish second. Patrick Ryan of Essex County Country Club fired a four-over par 75 to finish third. The top-20 and ties (+7 and better) qualified for the 120th NJSGA Amateur Championship presented by Provident Bank, scheduled to be played July 6-8 at Essex Fells Country Club.
