Around the Green

Hudgins Sets Pace in Texas Super Senior Amateur Opening Round

IRVING—Jerry Hudgins of Tyler, TX set the pace in the opening round of the 2016 Texas Super Senior Amateur Championship, posting an even-par round of 71 on the day.  Hudgins takes a three-stroke lead into Tuesday’s second round at the challenging Las Colinas Country Club layout.
 
The Legends Division includes a competition contested concurrently with the championship and features players aged 75 and older, some of whom have many state amateur titles between them.  Another Tyler resident, Andy Wall, leads the Legends contingent after carding a 5-over 76 on the day.
 
Making the turn at 1-over par after his opening nine holes, Hudgins chased down two birdies on his back nine, bringing him to even par on what was a challenging day, due in large part to spring weather conditions.  With a strong opening front nine, Wall powered through tough weather conditions to pick up two birdies on his front nine and make the turn at even par before closing with his 5-over finish.
 
In pursuit of tournament leader Hudgins are McKinney’s Gary Kirwan and Aledo’s Jody Vasquez, who both sit tied in second place at 3-over par. Vasquez is no stranger to the top of the Super Senior leaderboard, having won the division in 2014 and having finished second after losing a playoff to eventual champion John Grace in 2015.
 
Despite having to suspend play at 11:08 am (CST) due to thunderstorms in the area, TGA tournament officials and competitors resumed play after a short delay at 12:19 pm (CST).  High winds and periodic showers made for challenging course conditions at Las Colinas Country Club. 
 
Las Colinas Country Club has been the benefactor of their hard-working staff and favorable winter weather, which has set-up the golf course with great conditioning early in the season.  Las Colinas Country Club will host the only LPGA tour stop in Texas this year once again later this spring when it welcomes the Volunteers of America Texas Shootout for the fourth consecutive year.
 
Second round play of the Texas Super Senior Amateur Championship begins Tuesday at 8:00 a.m., with groups starting off the first tee. For starting times, live scoring and additional information, please click here.