Setting the Pace

University of Colorado golfer Ross Macdonald of the Country Club at Castle Pines shot a 4-under-par 67 and took a three-stroke lead after Saturday’s opening round of the 35th CGA Western Chapter Championship at Tiara Rado Golf Course in Grand Junction.

The two-time Colorado Junior Amateur champion (pictured) made five birdies and one bogey in round 1.

Next best going into Sunday’s final round of the 36-hole event are 2015 Colorado Junior Amateur winner Isaac Petersilie of Colorado Springs Country Club and the University of Denver, and Barrett Jones of Eagle Ranch Golf Course, the runner-up this week in the Colorado Junior Am. Jones carded an eagle and a bogey on Saturday for his 70, while Petersilie had two birdies and a bogey.

At even-par 72 on Saturday were Chris Carlson of Highlands Ranch Golf Club and John Buccos of the Riverdale Golf Courses.

Tristan Rohrbaugh of Ironbridge Golf Club, winner of this championship two years ago and runner-up last year, posted a first-round 75.

In the senior division, Brian Woody of the Ridge at Castle Pines North took a one-stroke lead at 1-over-par 72, making three birdies on the day.

Owen Ellis of Flatirons Golf Course made a hole-in-one at the 94-yard 14th hole and shares second place among the seniors at 73. Also at that figure are former CGA Senior Player of the Year Harry Johnson of Eagle Ranch Golf Course, Cary Dilzell of the Golf Club at Redlands Mesa, Thomas Roos of Spring Valley Golf Club, Scott Sullivan of Bookcliff Country Club and Doug Jones of Tiara Rado.

For scores from the Western Chapter Championship, CLICK HERE.