Around the Green

Reynolds Wins South Mid-Amateur Championship

SPICEWOOD – Jay Reynolds followed up his opening round 2-under par 69 with a 6-under par 65 to claim victory at the South Mid-Amateur Championship. This year’s championship, presented by Club Champion, was hosted by Lakecliff Country Club just outside of Austin.
 
Reynolds, from Austin, and San Antonio’s Ross Wilhelm led a crowded leaderboard after the first round of the championship. Both Reynolds and Wilhelm started the final round birdie-birdie. After Wilhelm went bogey-bogey on the fifth and six holes, Reynolds had a one stroke lead. From that point on, it was Reynolds’ championship to lose. Reynolds only hiccup on the day was a double-bogey on the par-three 12^th hole, but he followed it up with an eagle on the par-five 13^th hole. That eagle helped Reynolds card his 6-under round and an 8-under-par total of 134.
 
Reynolds attributed his great play to his planning. “I relied on my preparation. I had a great practice round when I was getting ready for this week.” This was the first TGA event for Reynolds after a short stint as a professional. He regained his Amateur Status this past year.
 
Wilhelm would rally and hold off hard charging Jess Bonneau, of Houston, and The Woodlands’ Mike Booker for solo second. Bonneau and Booker finished tied for third with a 36-hole total of 1-under par 141.
 
Bonneau was crowned as this year’s Super Mid-Amateur Champion as the low finisher over the age of 40 years old. Bonneau’s ball striking allowed him to card a 36-hole total of 141. “I hit the ball well all weekend. That is what led to my good play.”
 
Due to the inclement weather and course conditions Saturday, the championship was shortened from 54 holes to 36 holes.
 
The Texas Golf Association would like to thank the staff and membership at Lakecliff Country Club for their hospitality and contributions to the success of this year’s South Mid-Amateur Championship.