Wilson Leads Round One of New Jersey Amateur Championship Presented by Provident Bank
Pat Wilson, Hamilton Farm Golf Club
DENVILLE, N.J. – After competing as a professional since 2014, Pat Wilson of Hamilton Farm Golf Club made his return to amateur golf last year. The 31-year-old posted a 4-under par 68 at Rockaway River Country Club in the opening round of the 121st New Jersey Amateur Championship presented by Provident Bank.
Now, the Andover native has found much more joy in the game since making the transition from professional play to amateur competition.
"It’s so much better honestly," explained Wilson. "I started resenting the game towards the end of playing professionally and I love it now. I’m outside, it’s beautiful out and to happen to play well is just the cherry on top, so it was great and I’m looking forward to the rest of the week."
Wilson notched six birdies on the day, highlighted by a blemish-free front nine. It was the first time in 10 years Wilson saw the par 72, 6,743-yard course.
"A lot of fairways, a lot of greens," said Wilson. "I just hit it to the fat part of the green and I didn’t play too aggressive. I haven’t played here in a while, so I was fortunate in some spots. I hit a couple of shots that I thought were better than they’d be, which led to a couple bogeys but besides that I played great."
Dean Greyserman, also of Hamilton Farm Golf Club carded a 3-under par 69 to sit just behind Wilson. The Stanford-bound Greyserman tallied four birdies and just one bogey in his round.
“I hit it really well today. The best I've it in a few months,” Greyserman exclaimed. “I'm excited about that. I feel like if I keep hitting it well, I just hopefully get a few more putts to fall. I’m really happy how I played and hopefully keep playing the same tomorrow.”
Defending champion Michael Brown shot an even par 72 as he collected three birdies and three bogeys.
A slew of competitors remain in the mix to hoist the Edwin M. Wild Trophy, as 18 players turned in scores of even par or better on Monday.
The second round of the New Jersey Amateur Championship will begin at 7:30 a.m. ET. After the completion of 36 holes, the field is cut to the low 40 scorers plus ties for the final round.
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