La Habra Heights, CA – Day 2 at the 2023 TMGA Senior & Mid-Master Championship started with fog and cool temperatures, but as the day cleared things began to heat up. Hacienda Golf Club may not be the longest course these players play, but the subtle breaks on the greens and wonderful green complexes have given the field all they want.
As the afternoon wave began for the senior division, Hacienda began to show her teeth. The sun came out along with a brisk breeze that made the course play firmer and faster challenging some of the countries’ best senior amateur players. Round one leader Jon Lindstrom turned at three-over-par which gave an opportunity for several players to regain contact with the leader. Lindstrom rebounded playing his final nine at two-under-par for a second round total of 72 giving him a two-day total of five-under and four strokes clear of the field.
John Adams followed up his even par round one with a one-under-par round two to sit alone in second at 141 (-1) heading into the final round. A steady round of two birdies, one bogey and fifteen pars secured him a spot in the final group.
Craig Davis fired a second round even-par to finish two rounds at level par (142), while Steve McPherson followed up his one-under-par opening round with a two-over-par round two to sit at one-over for the tournament. Mike McCoy, US Walker Cup Captain, and TMGA President had a solid round to post a red number at -1 (70) and a two-day total of 143 (+1) tied with McPherson for 3rd place.
The tight leaderboard at the top will make for a dramatic finish tomorrow. The Hacienda Golf Club has received rave reviews from the players across the board as a true hidden gem in southern California. The strategic nature and risk reward opportunities at Hacienda will make for an exciting final round.
Mid-Master Chris Kamin from Phoenix, Arizona made three birdies on his front nine, made a lone bogey on his 11th hole, and then managed an eagle on hole 7, his 16th hole, for a total of four-under-par for the day and a commanding six shot lead at five-under-par total. Chris, at age 48, has played in several of the most recent year’s U.S. Amateur Championships, competing against players less than half his age. His experience and good play have served him well. Jonathan Minkoff from Glendale, California has been consistent following up his one-over-par round on day one with an even-par round of 71 today. Two players sit in third place including first round leader Marc Engellenner (69-76) and Bowen Osborn (71-74). Nine players made the cut in the Mid-Master division with the cut at eight-over-par.
The Super-Senior division is led by decorated amateur and author Mike Booker from Houston, Texas. Booker is following the advice given in his new book The Tournament Golfer’s Playbook to hold a two shot lead at three-over-par for two rounds. Tied for second two shots back are Californians Patrick Carrigan and Chris Worley. Worley and Booker tied for low round of the day in their division at even-par. In the Super Senior division, nineteen players made the cut and will play in tomorrow’s third and final round.
The Legends division is led by Patrick Rohan of Rancho Santa Fe, California with rounds of 75-76. His second round included two double bogeys and a single birdie but managed to maintain a two-stroke lead over Philip Svanoe (75-78). The field is bunched right behind Svanoe with six players within three shots. Twelve players made the cut in the Legends division.
For more information on the 2023 Trans-Mississippi Senior & Mid-Master Championship and Hacienda Golf Club, including complete scoring, click here.