5-under-par was the score to beat at the first event of the
season, the IGA Mid-Amateur Team Championship at Harrison Lake CC. Last year’s runner-ups Mark Humphrey of
Carmel and Ben Hunter of Fishers find themselves in a similar position this
year, atop the leader board heading into day two.
“After losing in a playoff last year, it feels great to be
in the hunt again,” Humphrey said. “We
hammed and egged it well today and we hope to do the same tomorrow.”
Defending Champion Sean Rowen proved himself once again,
along with partner Chris Pfeifle both of Greenwood. The duo carded six
birdies and only one bogey today for a best ball total of 67 and a share of the
lead.
“I think we worked well as a team,” Rowen said. “We hung in there during the front nine and
made five birdies on the back. We hope
to keep two balls in play tomorrow and continue to give ourselves chances.”
Teammates Todd Palmer of Fishers and Curt Puckett of
Farmland also posted 67 after starting off the day with four birdies in their opening five holes.
Partners Josh Estelle of New Castle and Ricky Jones of Pendleton
joined the leaders with a best ball 67, posted just minutes
after Palmer and Puckett.
Seven teams are within three shots of the lead, including
Derek Moore of Williamsburg and Brian Straley of Fort Wayne, who sit
comfortably at 4-under-par, just one shot back.