By Dalton Balthaser

 

WARWICK - Billy Forcier’s appearances on the golf course have altered quite a bit over the years.

 

Family and work restraints have kept him from the golf course more than he would like. But those restrictions never kept him from playing in at least one RIGA major each season.

 

Until 2020, of course.

 

“I didn’t think I was going to play in any RIGA events this season,” said Forcier. “With the COVID-19 situation, I had no vacation time. I was fortunate to get a couple days back and I was able to use two days to play in this event.”

 

Forcier, aided by old memories and a strong start, took the Day One lead of the 27th Rhode Island Golf Association Mid-Amateur Championship Tuesday at a gorgeous Warwick Country Club (par 69, 6,316 yards).

 

His round of 68 was the only one in red figures out of the 140 golfers competing.

 

Defending champion Bobby Leopold, a clubmate of Forcier’s at Wannamoisett Country Club, as well as Swansea Country Club’s Kevin Blaser were next in line with rounds of even-par 69.

 

The cut settled at 76 (7 over) with a total of 54 players.

 

“I went to high school at Bishop Hendricken,” said Forcier, 34, of Rumford. “Warwick was our home course. I have a lot of experience here even though it has been a while since I’ve played an event here. I feel comfortable here and I always have. Going off in the first group was an advantage because we didn’t get the heavy winds that usually come in the early afternoon. The course was in amazing condition. It is nice when you hit the putts and they roll true.”

 

Forcier got off to a nice start by birdieing No. 2 (par 4, 363 yards). A sand wedge from 100 yards to 20 feet was the early catalyst.

 

After making a bogey on No. 4 (par 4, 399 yards), Forcier parred the remaining five holes on the front to make the turn in even-par 34. 

 

After making bogey on No. 12 (par 4, 405 yards) he rebounded on No. 13 (par 3, 186 yards) with a near ace. He hit a 7-iron to a foot to get back to level par. 

 

Forcier added his final birdie on the lone par 5, No. 15 (465 yards). After having to lay-up as a result of a poor drive, Forcier hit a pitching wedge from 130 yards to 40 feet and buried it.

 

He got a great break on No. 18 (par 4, 422 yards). After hitting a drive that he though was good, Forcier crested the hill in his cart to notice high fescue where he thought his ball was. 

 

Fortunately, he found it and had a lie that allowed him to advance it to the green. A par allowed him to keep all the momentum he built through the first 17 holes.

 

“You like finishing strong,” said Forcier. “I haven’t played here in so long that I didn’t think there was fescue where I hit it. Now that I know that, I may hit it into No. 1 fairway instead tomorrow.”

 

Par 69s are as rare as a hole-in-one in golf. The state of Rhode Island happens to have four that are all designed by Donald Ross (Warwick, Wannamoisett, Agawam Hunt and The Misquamicut Club).

 

But the rarity of it, hasn’t caught Forcier off guard. Being a member at Wannamoisett has helped him adjust to the different mental attitude it takes to play well at a course that has only one par 5.

 

“I’ve gotten used to playing par 69 golf courses,” said Forcier. “Being at Wannamoisett has helped prepare me. You learn to grind out the par 4s. Since par 69s usually only have one par 5, you have to take advantage of it.”

 

The 2018 champion is looking to add his second Mid-Amateur title. If he is able to seal the deal, he will become the fourth player to win the event at least two times. 

 

He’ll join Wannamoisett’s Charlie Blanchard (1999, 2001-03, 2006, 2009-10), Leopold (2011-12, 2016, 2019) and Agawam Hunt’s Jamie Lukowicz (2014-15).

 

“I need to have another good start tomorrow to have a chance,” said Forcier. “Being in the wrong position on some of these holes can be troubling considering the severe green contours. You have to miss it in the right spots. Making good decisions into the greens will be my biggest key. If I do that, I have a good shot at it.”

 

Senior Division

 

Shelter Harbor Golf Club’s Dave Boggini and Wannamoisett’s John Conley shared the Senior Division lead after rounds of 70 (par 69, 6,183 yards)

 

A pack of four sits behind them at 71. Including the likes of defending Senior Player of the Year Bruce Heterick of Agawam, Darren Corrente of Wannamoisett, John Auclair of Kirkbrae Country Club and Dave McNally of Quinnatisset Country Club.

 

A total of 18 seniors made the cut of 76 or better.