En-Joie Golf Course hosted the Dick’s Sporting Goods Open with Stephen Ames leading the pack after a remarkable Round 1 performance. Ames, a two-time winner on the PGA Tour Champions, played flawless golf with a bogey-free round of 8-under-par 64. He finished strong with four birdies in the final six holes to take the lead ahead of Steve Allan, who also had a stellar round with eight birdies of his own shooting a 65. Rocco Mediate sits in solo third with a satisfying 66, while Ernie Els, Bernhard Langer, and Paul Stankowski share fourth place with a score of 67.
Langer, the 2014 champion at En-Joie, made a strong comeback with five consecutive birdies starting at the par-5 eighth hole. Two-time defending champion Padraig Harrington is also in contention, sharing seventh place after a round that included seven birdies and three bogeys for a score of 68. The second round is set to begin on Saturday with the leaders teeing off at 12:25 p.m. Ames, who has eight senior tour wins to his name, credited his success to quality shots and solid putting. He emphasized the narrow fairways at the challenging En-Joie Golf Course but managed to capitalize on opportunities and avoid mistakes.
Steve Allan, a 50-year-old Australian in his rookie season, played in the first group of the day and finished strong with three birdies on the back nine. He attributed his success to luck with a few drives and solid putting throughout the round. The conditions at the course were described as perfect by Allan, with manageable rough and firm greens providing a fair challenge. Rocco Mediate, who had been struggling with a back ailment, made a strong comeback with seven birdies against one bogey. Despite some driving issues, he was pleased with his overall performance and health.
Noteworthy performances in Round 1 included Chad Campbell’s impressive start with four-under through five holes, including eagles on the first and fifth. Ames continued his trend of consistent top-10 finishes this season, with eight in 12 starts. Els, a past second and third-place finisher at the Dick’s Sporting Goods Open, also had a solid round with a score of 67. Meanwhile, 73-year-old Monday qualifier Dick Mast impressed with a four-birdie front nine. Unfortunately, Jerry Kelly withdrew before the round due to a back injury.
Overall, the first round showcased an impressive display of skill and determination by the players. With Stephen Ames leading the way, the competition promises to be intense in the following rounds. The Dick’s Sporting Goods Open continues to attract top talent and provide a challenging yet rewarding experience for both players and fans. Stay tuned for more exciting action as the tournament unfolds over the weekend.
