Around the Green

Booker Leads South Mid-Am after Windy First Round

KATY – Mike Booker of Houston on Friday shot even-par 72 to take the first round lead at the 2018 South Mid-Amateur, presented by Impact Precision Golf. Played at The Club at Falcon Point, Booker was the only golfer to finish in red numbers and leads Ryan Clarke by one stroke.
 
Booker, a three-time Texas Senior Player of the Year, was grouped with defending champion Broc Haymon. Booker got started quickly with a birdie on the par-3 second hole. Booker also birdied the sixth and 12th holes to get as low as 3-under on the day. He bogeyed the par-3 13th and followed that with a double bogey on the par-4 15th.
 
Haymon finished with a 74 and shares third place with Clint White after Day One. Haymon double-bogeyed the second hole and was never able to get back to even par, despite four birdies on the day. Haymon had back-to-back birdies on Nos. 15 and 16 to finish his round on a high note.
 
Clarke, who sits alone in second place, started strong with birdies on two of his first four holes. He also jarred an eagle on the 495-yard, par-5 16th hole. A stretch of four bogeys in five holes to start his back nine contributed to him finishing with a 1-over 73.
 
With springtime breezes in effect, heavy winds were prevalent throughout the first round. Wind speeds exceeded 20 mph at times during the day.
 
Booker, who is 63 years old, also leads the Mid-Master division for players 40 and older.
 
The second round of the 54-hole stroke play event begins Saturday at 8 a.m. For more information, including complete results, click here.