Defending champion Erik Hanson of Kirkland and Carl Jonson of Seattle shot each shot 1-under par 71 to grab a share of the lead after the opening round of the 11^th Washington Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship.

The two-day 36-hole stroke-play championship is being held this week at McCormick Woods Golf Club in Port Orchard.

Championship links:

Results | Pairings | Photos

Hanson and Jonson were the only two players in the field to shoot under-par on the par-72 layout, which played at 6,690 yards in round one. The two players will be paired in the final group during tomorrow’s final round.

A number of players remain within striking distance of the lead, including 2013 champion Bjorn Bjorke of Port Orchard. Bjorke sits in a tie for third at even-par with Keynan Fanslow of Tacoma and Ryan Earl of Fircrest.

Erik Hanson, has won eight Pacific Northwest (PNGA) titles and had twice finished runner-up in the Washington Men’s Mid-Amateur, in 2015 and 2010, before breakinng through for the title last year.

Carl Jonson finished runner-up in 2012 Pacific Northwest Men’s Am and was a semifinalist in the 2013 Pacific Northwest Men’s Am. He played four years on UNLV men’s golf team.

To be eligible for the championship, contestants must by 25 years of age or older by August 27, 2020. Competitors must have an active GHIN number and USGA Handicap Index issued by a WA Golf member club not exceeding 9.9 at the time of entry. Click here for complete information.