Washington State Champion of Champions - Day 1 Recap

The first round of the WSGA Championship Season commenced today with the first round of the Champion of Champions being played at The Home Course in DuPont, Wash. With the Men’s, Women’s, Senior Men’s and Senior Women’s Championships all being run concurrently, 83 players navigated the sunny fairways today.

Leading the Men’s Championship is Mike Haack (Bellevue), the 2010 Champion who carded a round of 3-under par 69. Jake McRoberts (Kirkland) sits alone in second place two shots back at 2-under par 70 and defending champion Sean Packer (Auburn) is within striking distance at even par 72.

In the Women’s Championship Karinn Dickinson (Mukilteo) is leading after an opening round of 6-over par 78 which included an unfortunate 2-stroke penalty for being late to the first tee. Leslie Folsom (Seattle) is just one shot back after carding a 79 and Sharon Drummey (Kirkland) and 2009 champion Denise Kieffer (University Place) are tied for third place after opening with rounds of 81.

Four players shot 1-under par 71 in the Senior Championship today and sit in a tie for the lead including defending champion Tom Brandes (Bellevue), Richard Jonson (Seattle), John Von Lossow (Kirkland) and Keith Crimp (Ellensburg). Jim McNelis (Gig Harbor) was the only other player to shoot even par or better and sits alone in 5th place at 72, just one shot back.

In the Senior Women’s Championship, Janet Kelleher (Blaine) leads the field after an opening round of 3-over par 75.  2010 Women’s Champion Alison Murdoch (Victoria) is one shot back at 76 and Ginny Burkey (Fircrest) is just two back after a 77 today.

The shot of the day came from Larry Loomis (Stanwood) who carded the only eagle of the day when he holed out his second shot at the 355 yard pa4-4 first hole!

Final round action kicks off tomorrow with tee times beginning at 7:30 a.m.