Around the Green

Jones Takes Over Lead at Super Senior Amateur

GEORGETOWN – Mickey Jones of Odessa fired his way into the lead on Saturday after the second round of the 2018 Texas Super Senior Amateur. Jones shot a 2-over-par 74 to take a one-stroke lead heading into Sunday’s final round. First round leader John Grace shot a 77 to fall into a tie with Gary Kirwan for second place.

Jody Vasquez recorded his second consecutive 74 to put him in fourth place and well within striking distance heading into the final round. Four players are tied at 5-over overall.

Jones, who is seeking his first win in a TGA event, said he feels like he has played two different rounds, even though his scores are similar.

“I didn’t hit it very well today and scored better,” Jones said. “Yesterday I hit all the greens and I feel like I should’ve scored better.”

Jones echoed Gary Kirwan’s thoughts from Friday that the course rewards players who can drive the ball well. Jones attributes good driving to helping him score well so far. He said his mindset remains the same heading into the final round, even though he’s chasing his first TGA victory.

“I’m just going to go out and hit them,” Jones said. “There’s no changing anything.”

In the Legends Division, Mike Rice cut into defending champion Don Grider’s lead after shooting a 1-over 73 on Saturday. Grider still leads by three strokes after two rounds, though.

After admitting to a few lucky breaks and leaning on solid putting on Friday, Grider wasn’t able to get the putter going as well on Saturday. He said too many three-putts were his downfall in round two. Grider started 6-over through his first eight holes, but was able to right the ship and shoot 2-under the rest of the way. It was enough to hold off Rice’s charge, but not before Rice cut Grider’s lead in half.

Rice played a solid round, recording four bogeys and three birdies on his way to a 73.

Grider and Jones, the defending champion and the first-time hopeful, will look to hold off their respective fields when final round play begins on Sunday. Tee times start at 8 am, with the leaders going off last. Super Senior leaders tee off of hole No. 1 and Legends go off of hole No. 10. Click here for the full pairing list, leaderboard and more information.