Colt Sherrell
Brooke Patterson
Day One – Men’s & Women’s State Amateur
Every player that walked off the golf course at Elkhorn Golf Club today sounded like a vintage Tiger Woods press conference: “Conditions were really tough out there.”
With the Men’s and Women’s State Amateur playing simultaneously for the first time in Idaho Golf Association history, players started the day in relatively benign conditions. Then the wind kicked up in the afternoon, making play much tougher on those making the turn.
Colt Sherrell from Moscow, ID made it look easy though, firing a bogey-free 67 (-5). “I had a good plan going in, and I stuck to the plan. I knew if I could lay back on a few holes and have a pitching wedge in my hand that things would go fairly well.” Sherrell said.
Douglas Manchester put together a solid round as well keeping a clean card, shooting 68 (-4). He’s followed by seven other players at even par or better.
The women’s side of the tournament had a vastly different look on Day 1, with only one player under par.
Brooke Patterson stands four shots clear after a first round 69 (-3), but it wasn’t easy. “Obviously, I had a tough start with the bogey, but I settled in after that. My distance was a big factor, and having a lot of wedges helped a ton. I had a few tap in birdies and that helped my momentum heading into the back nine.” Patterson said after the round.
Momentum might be an understatement. Patterson made birdies on four of her last six and managed to stay out of the wind.
Though she may be four shots clear at the moment, the contingent behind her is ready for the challenge. Carly Carter, Kelli Ann Strand, and Taylor Koch all sit at +1 which is certainly within striking distance.
There is still plenty of golf to be played here at Elkhorn, so stay tuned for updates throughout the day on Friday and Saturday on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
To view all today’s men’s scores click HERE, and to view today’s women’s scores click HERE.