Around the Green

Atkinson Takes Control at North Mid-Amateur

Atkinson Takes Control at North Mid-Amateur

Fort Worth – Zach Atkinson grabs the lead after the first round of the North Mid-Amateur at Diamond Oaks Country Club. Atkinson shot a five-under, 65 total for a three-shot lead.

Colleyville’s Atkinson, who started on the tenth hole, made birdie on holes 11 through 13 and added a fourth on the par-4 18^th to go out in 4-under. He added a birdie on the par-4 third and the par-5 fifth before surrendering a shot on the par-4 eighth, which was his only bogey of the day.

Atkinson is a two-time champion of the North Mid-Amateur champion. Atkinson won in 2013 and 2015 both contested at Trophy Club Country Club.

Laying chase to Atkinson is Fort Worth’s Will Osborne who turned in a 2-under-par, 68. Also starting on the tenth hole, Osborne recorded back-to-back birdies on the 445-yard 13^th and the 602-yard 14^th. A bogey on the 17^th saw him turn at 1-under. Two more birdies and a bogey on the front side saw Osborne match his outward score for an overall 2-under-par total.

Osborne finished runner-up in the 2017 edition of the North Mid-Amateur which helped springboard him to win the 2017 North Regional Player of the year. In addition to the runner-up finish, Osborne finished tied for 11^th at the North Amateur and won the North Four-Ball with partner Joshua Irving that year.

Sitting four back is Tyler’s Aaron Hickman, Brad Beeson of Dallas, Patrick Stayer of Dallas and Fort Worth’s Jeff Murray who carded a 1-under-par, 69. 2017 North Mid-Amateur Champion Gant Bills shot a 2-over-par, 72.

 In addition to the Overall Champion, there is recognition for the low Mid-Master Player. A Mid-Master player is identified by being 40 years or older at the time of the first round. Pat Stayer leads the recognition by one over Diamond Oaks Country Club’s 2017 Club Champion Kenneth Leasley of North Richland Hills.

Diamond Oaks Country Club was opened in 1961. The course layout is a par-70 measures around 6,800 yards featuring a creek that meanders throughout the property and comes into play on six holes. Strategic bunkers along with 100-year old oak trees line the fairways of the Fort Worth club.

Atkinson will begin his second round at 8:45 am off the first hole. Osborne will be going off the first hole as well at 8:18 am. For complete results, visit www.txga.org.