Downey's Historic First Round Paces NYS Mid-Am
TROY, NY -- Eight players finished under par in the opening round, led by the defending champion Kyle Downey. The Oak Hill member was scorching hot out of the gates, posting a 29 on the front nine (which included five birdies and an eagle), and finished at 6-under 65, tying the competitive amateur course record. Last year at Schuyler Meadows, he opened up the early lead in very similar fashion, posting the course record to open the championship (63).
"On the front nine, I didn't miss a shot," Downey said. "I didn't miss a putt inside of 15 feet at all...honestly at seven-under on the front, to finish at six-under is a little disappointing. It could've been a magical round."
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After four inches of rain relentlessly hammered the Capital Region on Thursday, The Country Club of Troy layout softened up enough to allow for lower scores than normal on the hilly, undulating Walter Travis layout.
One shot off the defending champion is Josh Desain of Wayne Hills Country Club at 5-under.
Three more players fired 4-under par, including Matthew Lowe of MGA eClub - Long Island, Eric Terminello of Knollwood Country Club, and Brian McGovern of NYPD Golf.
Local player Austin Teal of Schuyler Meadows Club sits in solo fifth at 3-under.
Recent NYS Men’s Senior Amateur Champion, Andy Bernatovicz of River Oaks, sits at 2-under par. Cody Homer of Cedar Lake Club is the final player under par at 1-under.
Peter Scialabba of Meadow Brook Club, Carlos Furlotti of MGA eClub - Long Island, Jim Hirsh of NYSGA eClub - Central NY, and Sean Puleo of Schuyler Meadows Club.
The 18-hole cut fell at 78 (+7), with 85 players advancing into Saturday’s second round of play.
The course setup at 6,554 yards and par of 71.
Tomorrow the remaining field will tee off from No. 1 from 8:00am to 12:40pm, after which a 36-hole cut to low 40 players and ties will advance into Sunday’s finale.
