Youth Rises To Top At State Amateur

BEDMINSTER, N.J. State Amateur first round leader David Sanders of Laurel Creek C.C. has some company now. After posting an opening round 69 (-3) yesterday on the New Course at Trump National Golf Club – Bedminster, Sanders shot 74 (+2) today and was joined at 143 (-1) for two rounds by Pat Wilson of Panther Valley G.&C.C. and the Little Mill C.C. duo of Mike Meisenzahl and Ben Smith. The leaders all have one thing in common: youth. All four co-leaders are between the ages of 20 and 24, which bodes well for the 36 holes that remain to be played on Thursday when temperatures are expected to approach 100 degrees. But experience will be a factor, too, as it always is, and two wily veterans lurk just two strokes behind at 145 – 2009 Amateur champion and four-time runner-up Michael Deo of Black Oak G.C., and 2008 Mid-Amateur champion Mike Stamberger of Spring Lake G.C.

Rounding out the top fifteen is a mix of veterans and young players trying to make their mark. Conditions should be challenging tomorrow for the third and fourth rounds, which commence at 7:30 am. Players will have to manage the impact of the extreme heat on their physical performance and on the golf course, which is drying out under the baking sun and beginning to play very firm and fast.
Check the Live Scoring link on the home page to follow the action throughout the day.