Written by Beaux Yenchik, Manager of Media and Communications
MCCALL, Idaho—Today’s opening round of the 2022 Mid-Amateur could be considered by some as one of the hardest rounds of golf played at an Idaho Golf Association event this year. With a challenging but fair setup, today’s competitors succumbed to the charm of Jug Mountain Ranch while slowly giving in to the golf course’s ailments: contoured greens, penalty areas on nearly every hole, and a big need for a straight ball off the tee. With only two players under par and a scoring average score of 84.5 for the two fields, this week’s Mid-Amateur has already shown us it will be a tough one.
Kris Fenwick found herself on top of day one’s leaderboard by shooting a five-over-par 76. Fending off the likes of six-time champion Karen Darrington and U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur medalist, Lori Ruiz, Fenwick stayed in control of her game on a course that demanded complete attention from her and every other golfer.
For the men, Jesse Hibler claimed the top spot by carding an impressive 3-under-par 69. Having shot even par on the front with two bogeys and two birdies, Hibler avoided any and all blemishes on his back nine while making three birdies in his first four holes.
Consistency and steadiness, two strengths demonstrated by both golfers, were helping factors for impressive rounds of golf. For a course that collected bogeys faster than kids getting candy on Halloween, today’s Women’s Mid-Amateur leader and Mid-Amateur leader held their own despite giving eight shots back to the field between the two of them.
As the field now looks to take on day two, it will be no less interesting to see who shows up.
Jug Mountain Ranch definitely flexed its muscles today.
Click HERE for a look at the complete leaderboard!