Around the Green

Leek, Smith Share Lead at the 93rd West Texas Amateur

Briefly: Garrett Leek of Brock and Jansen Smith of San Angelo co-lead the 93rd West Texas Amateur through 36 holes. Leek fired a 5-under 67 and Smith carded a 7-under 65 in the second round. They lead the field by five strokes at 8-under 136 overall. Mike Booker of Burleson carded an 8-under 64 to take hold of the Senior Division by three strokes. Russell Cox of Waco and Craig Urban of Abilene lead the Super Senior Division by two at 146 total.

Leaderboard:
T1) Jansen Smith San Angelo 71-65 | 136
T1) Garrett Leek Brock 69-67 | 136
T3) Kellen Young Midland 71-70 | 141
T3) Andy McCabe Dallas 71-70 | 141
T3) David Bolen Lubbock 72-69 | 141
T3) Rob Couture Dallas 71-70 | 141
T7) Kevin Liberto Cypress 74-69 | 142
T7) Jason Pittman Monahans 72-70 | 142
T7) Caden Conrad Amarillo 70-72 | 142

Round 2 Results | Round 3 Pairings

Golf Course: Established in 1921, Abilene Country Club features 36 holes of world-class golf that is both beautiful and challenging. The courses feature wide tree-lined fairways and superb greens that provide a great experience to all who play. The Par 72 South Course, which is being used for the championship, is regarded as one of the top golf courses in Texas by the Dallas Morning News and held PGA tour events from 1979 to 1990. It’s a championship layout that weaves its way through some of Abilene’s most unique residences. This gorgeous area is graced by over 6,000 luscious trees.

Weather: The temperature reached 93 degrees with steady winds at 10 mph out of the southeast reaching gusts of 15 mph.

In Contention: Garrett Leek followed his 3-under 69 with a second round 5-under 67 to hold a share of the lead heading into Sunday’s final round. Leek’s round included 7 birdies on the scorecard.

“I just tried getting off with a birdie before I had any issues,” said Leek. “I got into a good rhythm early… made some putts. I only hit two bad shots really.”

Jansen Smith fired the low round of the Championship Division thus far by carding a 7-under 65 to grab a share of the lead with 18 holes remaining.

“I kind of got off to a little bit of a slow start. My ball striking wasn’t great at first but I hung in there,” said Smith. “I’ve hit it really well off the tee. I just need to keep the wedges dialed in.”

Smith who started on hole 10 made the turn at 1-under par before scorching his back nine with a 6-under 30 that included a hole-out eagle on the par-4 seventh hole.

“I just couldn’t miss for a little bit,” said Smith.

David Bolen of Lubbock shot a 3-under 69 to grab a share of third place alongside three others at 3-under 141 overall. Kellen Young of Midland, Andy McCabe of Dallas, and Rob Couture of Dallas all sit at 3-under par as well. Three players in the Championship Division sit tied for seventh at 2-under par.

In the Senior Division, Mike Booker of Houston took control by firing a tournament low round 8-under 64 that included seven birdies and an eagle.

In The Super Senior Division, Russell Cox of Waco and Craig Urban of Abilene sit atop the leaderboard at 146 total and two shots clear of the field.

Following Saturday’s second round the Championship Division is cut to the low 42 players and ties. The Senior Division is cut to the low 21 players and ties. The Super Senior is cut to the low 9 players and ties.

What’s Next: Final Round tee times start Sunday at 7:30 a.m. off No. 1 & 10 tees at Abilene Country Club (South Course.)

More Info: For more information on the 93rd West Texas Amateur, click here.