Hot weather, afternoon winds, and phenomenal course conditions at The Pines Country Club is what faced the player’s on Wednesday’s opening round of the 2017 West Virginia Senior Open. Professional Ty Roush of Mason performed well under the balmy conditions, which flirted with a record high, firing a one-under 70 to take hold of the early lead. Roush’s steady round included 4 birdies and 3 bogeys on the card. John Kingora of Morgantown, long-time former member of The Pines and the 2007 Club Champion, posted a solid round of even-par 71 to remain hot on the heels of Roush. Kingora’s round was highlighted by birdies on the difficult #10, #17, and #18. These three birdies helped propel Kingora to an inward nine total of two-under 34. A host of player’s are in contention at 74 including recent inductee into the West Virginia Golf Hall of Fame, Professional Scott Davis.
In the Silver Division, Jim Carpenter of Martinsburg posted a one-over 72 to lead the division by three shots over defending Silver Division Champion, Tom Spriggs of Cross Lanes. Carpenter went out with a 33 after an eagle on #4 and a birdie on #5, but three bogeys on his last nine cost him a chance to post the only other score in red numbers. Leo Galang of Mineral Wells leads George Marshall of Morgantown by two shots in the Gold Division. Tomorrow’s final round will begin at 8:00 am with all groups off #1 tee. Follow the WVGA on its various social media platforms for up-to-date news and scores.
