Scorse in Position to Repeat at NYS Men's Senior
CORNING, N.Y. -- Play commenced at the 67th NYS Men's Senior Amateur Championship on Tuesday, September 10. The 132-man field enjoyed near perfect weather and prime course conditions at Corning Country Club in Round 1.
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Jim Scorse of Stafford Country Club jumped out to an 18 hole lead in his bid for back-to-back Men's Senior titles. Despite a tepid start, the 59-year-old caught fire with three straight birdies to close out his opening round of 69. Scorse, who has won each of the NYSGA's Men's individual titles (Amateur, Mid-Amateur and Senior) nailed a longer putt on 18 to get to two under on the day. The six-time state champion will take a one stroke lead into the final round of play.
"I was one over with three to play and said to myself get at least one birdie," Scorse remarked shortly after knocking in his final putt. "Once I got that one on 16 and kept the momentum going it was definitely a good finish."
James Welch of Olde Kinderhook Golf Club was the only other competitor to conclude his day in red numbers. The thrid place finisher at last year's Men's Senior bounced back from a double bogey on the Par 4 5th to card a 69 (-1).
Three players - Stuart Harris of Oak Hill Country Club, Mark Steed of Corning Country Club and Jim Lane of Newman Municipal Golf Course - turned in rounds of 72 (+2) to sit in a tie for third. Another five players carded a three over 73 and remain in the mix heading into the remaining 18 holes of competition.
The field will tee off on Tuesday from 8:00am until 2:10pm off both sides again, with the leaders scheduled as the final group off No. 1 tee.
Corning Country Club measured at 6,310 yards and played to a Par of 35-35-70.
