With only one round remaining at Desert Willow in Palm Desert, California, Kirk Maynord from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, has emerged as the frontrunner to catch at the Golfweek Senior Division National Championship. Despite a brief setback with a bogey on the opening hole of the second round, Maynord quickly shifted gears and showcased his exceptional skills on the course.
After the rocky start, Maynord delivered an impressive performance, carding birdies on the 6th, 8th, and 9th holes, followed by birdies on the 12th and 14th to finish with a remarkable 4-under 68 for the round. With a cumulative score of 6 under, Maynord currently leads Jon Lindstrom of Denver by three strokes heading into the final round.
Notably, Maynord’s previous performance in the Golfweek Senior Amateur, held at Desert Willow, resulted in a runner-up finish in the senior division following his participation in the Golfweek Senior Division National Championship the year prior, where he tied for 35th place. Maynord’s consistent presence in such prestigious events is a testament to his dedication and skill as an amateur golfer.
Early in the second round, Craig Hurlbert, a native of Hamilton, Montana, and a regular competitor on the senior amateur circuit, held the lead. Besides his love for golf, Hurlbert also manages a successful career in the business world. Notably, as one of the co-founders of Local Bounti, an agricultural company specializing in sustainable and non-GMO greens, Hurlbert continues to make a significant impact outside of the golf course. Founded in 2017, Local Bounti gained recognition when it went public on the New York Stock Exchange in 2021.
During Tuesday’s round, Hurlbert experienced a mixture of highs and lows. Noteworthy highlights included birdies on the 8th and 15th holes, while a triple-bogey on the par-4 17th posed a significant challenge. However, Hurlbert showcased his resilience and determination, finishing strong with an eagle on the closing par-5 hole. With consecutive rounds of 71 on the Mountain View Course, he currently sits at 2 under, four strokes behind the leader, positioning himself in the final group for Wednesday’s round.
Joining Hurlbert in the final group will be Grady Brame, also at 2 under. Brame, hailing from Hammond, Louisiana, demonstrated his skill during the opening round, where he captured the solo lead with an impressive 3-under 69. A bogey-free round showcased his ability to strategically position the ball, leading to multiple birdie opportunities.
Although Struggling through a challenging start in the second round with three bogeys in the first five holes, Brame made a remarkable recovery by carding three birdies over the subsequent seven holes. A final bogey on the 17th left him with a respectable 73 for the round, keeping him in contention at 2 under alongside Hurlbert.
John Brellenthin of Dallas and Kevin VandenBerg of Pulaski, New York, are currently tied for fifth place at 1 under. VandenBerg, the recipient of the prestigious Golfweek Senior Player of the Year honors in 2023, entered the tournament as a notable contender. Displaying impressive consistency with ten birdies throughout the two rounds at Desert Willow, VandenBerg also faced challenges with seven bogeys and a double.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Who is leading the Golfweek Senior Division National Championship after two rounds?
Kirk Maynord, from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, is leading the Golfweek Senior Division National Championship by three strokes heading into the final round.
What is the current score of Kirk Maynord?
Kirk Maynord has a cumulative score of 6 under after two rounds of the Golfweek Senior Division National Championship.
Which players are playing in the final group in the last round?
Kirk Maynord and Grady Brame are part of the final group for the last round of the Golfweek Senior Division National Championship.
What is the background of Craig Hurlbert?
Craig Hurlbert, hailing from Hamilton, Montana, is not only a frequent competitor on the senior amateur circuit but also a co-founder of Local Bounti, an agricultural company known for its sustainable and non-GMO greens that went public on the New York Stock Exchange in 2021.
Who received the Golfweek Senior Player of the Year honors in 2023?
Kevin VandenBerg of Pulaski, New York, was awarded the Golfweek Senior Player of the Year honors in 2023.
Who is currently leading the Golfweek Senior Division National Championship?
Kirk Maynord from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma is leading the Golfweek Senior Division National Championship by three strokes heading into the final round.
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