Anton, McGuinness grab Middle-Amateur Championship first-round lead

MALVERN, PA-Edward Anton of Woodbury CC and William McGuinness of Tavistock CC each carded even-par 70s to share the first-round lead of the Middle-Amateur Championship on Wednesday at Chester Valley GC (par 70, 6,405 yards). A remarkable 10 players are within two shots of the leaders and another 21 are within four strokes heading into Thursday’s second and final round of the first GAP Major of the season.

The cut for the low 70 players and ties fell at 77. A total of 74 players advanced from the field of 144.

Anton, who last played in the Mid-Am in 2000, is the surprise of the co-leaders. He’s never before finished in the top half of the Middle-Amateur or any other GAP Major. In fact, his best GAP effort was a “third or fourth in a couple better ball events.” Thursday morning, he’ll find himself teeing off as the co-leader in the day’s final group.

“I’ve never had a round like this [in a competition like this],” said Anton, 49, of Woolwich Township, N.J. “I’m very pleased, especially with the qualify of this field. I tried to be smart and hit it in play. You can’t score if you don’t hit it in the fairway.”

Anton carded three birdies and three bogeys in his round. He rolled in a 25-footer on No. 4 (par 4, 365 yards) for a three before netting birdies on No. 13 (par 4, 320 yards) and No. 17 (par 4, 380 yards). He bogeyed No. 1 (par 4, 370 yards) after missing a three-footer, No. 6 (par 4, 411 yards) and No. 14 (par 5, 488 yards).

McGuinness, the 1996 GAP Amateur champion, carded three birdies and three bogeys as well. Early on, it was his putter that did the trick. The 42-year-old Woodbury, N.J. resident sank a 45-foot birdie putt on No. 1 (par 4, 370 yards), a 25-footer on No. 8 (par 4, 385 yards) and a 15-foot birdie putt on No. 9 (par 4, 371 yards). He bogeyed No. 5 (par 3, 170 yards), No. 7 (par 3, 192 yards) and No. 12 (par 4, 410 yards), to finish at even. He recorded no three putts in his round.

McGuinness’ top effort in a Middle-Amateur was a fourth-place finish in 1994 at Meadowlands CC.  

“It doesn’t matter, I’m just glad I can sleep in,” said a smiling McGuinness of earning a spot in the final group on Thursday. He teed off at 7:50 a.m. on Wednesday. “I was just trying to maneuver myself into a good position heading into the final day.”

Lurking one behind the leaders is Craig Larsen of Aronimink GC. In a group of nine two back are Bob Proto of Little Mill CC, who captured the Senior Amateur Championship at Chester Valley last year, Glenn Smeraglio of Yardley CC, the two-time defending Silver Cross winner, and Michael Tash of Tavistock CC, the 1994 Middle-Amateur titleist. Michael McDermott of Llanerch CC, the defending Middle-Amateur champion, is six back after carding a 76.  

This is only the second year the Middle-Amateur format has encompassed two days and 36 holes. Prior to 2001, the Mid-Am was a one-day, 18-hole event.  

This is also just the second year players 25 years of age and older were allowed to participate. Prior to last season, players had to be 30 years of age and older.