Setting the Pace: Kaplan takes lead in Round One of the 42nd Texas Mid-Amateur presented by Hytera US
HOUSTON – Champions Golf Club’s own Justin Kaplan fired a sizzling 6-under 66 to grab the Round One lead at the 42nd Texas Mid-Amateur presented by Hytera US.
Kaplan wasted no time setting the pace, opening with a birdie and an eagle in his first five holes.
“Yeah, today was a weird round for me,” Kaplan said with a smile. “Normally, I drive it pretty straight, and my misses are typically pretty good, and today I got away with a couple early.”
After a lone bogey on No. 6, Kaplan slammed the door with four more birdies and a flawless finish to keep himself out front.
“To be honest, my wedges were great, my irons were pretty good, and when I was out of position, I was able to get it up and down,” said the Houston native. “My putting was just really good today.”
Playing a state championship on his home course made the round even more meaningful.
“When I saw this was going to be the site for the Texas Mid-Amateur, I was super excited and knew I had to qualify,” Kaplan said. “It’s huge for me. I’m excited for the opportunity the next couple days and hopefully we can put a good round together tomorrow.”
Hot on Kaplan’s heels are Tom Moore of San Antonio and Robert Gwin of Montgomery, both one shot back after carding 5-under 67s.
Moore, who teed off on No. 10, caught fire early with three birdies before making the turn. After a stumble on No. 4, he finished in style with birdies on his final three holes.
“I played very consistently today and hit the ball solid,” Moore said. “Nothing spectacular, but I got a few good breaks and really eliminated the stupid mistakes.”
Gwin, a two-time South Four-Ball champion and South Mid-Amateur Champion, kept the pressure on with six birdies through 14 holes. A bogey on No. 16 slowed his charge, but he closed with two steady pars to remain in the hunt.
“Man, today I just hit it solid,” Gwin said. “I took advantage of the par 5s — I had a nine-iron, eight-iron and six-iron into them — so I made sure to capitalize. I just really hit fairways and greens and made sure to strike it solid.”
Chasing the leaders at 3-under 68 are Jacob Davis of Kingsbury, Austin Jordan of Nemo, Nickolas Martinez of Cypress — runner-up at the 49th Texas Four-Ball — and Logan Boatner of Humble.
At 2-under 69, Destry Dean of Carrollton, Steve Rowe of Arlington, and Kade Stewart of Tomball round out the top 10.
Friday’s opening round played under hot Texas skies, with temperatures climbing from 80 degrees in the morning to 95 by mid-afternoon. Winds added an extra challenge, topping out at 10 mph with gusts up to 20 mph. The course stretched to 7,161 yards.
After Saturday’s second round, the field will be cut to the low 54 players and ties before Sunday’s final showdown. Round Two begins at 8 a.m. off No. 1 and 10.
To see results from Round One, click here. To learn more about Hytera US, click here. To learn more about the 42nd Texas Mid-Amateur presented by Hytera US, click here.