Making Up Ground

After Jon Lindstrom of Broomfield opened with a 77 at the U.S. Mid-Amateur, it looked unlikely that he would be sticking around beyond the 36 holes of stroke play in Atlanta.

But a 68 works wonders.

The three-time CGA Mid-Amateur champion made five birdies and fired a 2-under 68 on Monday, earning a spot in the 64-man match-play portion of the event.

At 4-over-par 145, Lindstrom (pictured) finished in 28th place out of 264 competitors in stroke play and will play his opening match on Tuesday. That’s quite a move consider he had been in 154th place entering the day.

Lindstrom’s 68 tied for the sixth-low score on Monday.

Also advancing to match play was former Coloradan Kenny Coakley, who placed 19th in stroke play. The former University of Colorado golfer shot a 75 on Monday, leaving him at 144 for two days.

The other four players with strong Colorado ties — Walt Koelbel of Denver, Jonathan Marsico of Cherry Hills Village, Pete Mangold of Denver and Ryan Axlund of Aurora — failed to advance past stroke play.

The Mid-Amateur is limited to players 25 and older.

Here are the scores for all the players with strong Colorado ties who are competing in Atlanta:

ADVANCE TO MATCH PLAY
19. Former CU golfer Kenny Coakley 69-75–144
28. Jon Lindstrom, Broomfield 77-68–145
FAILED TO ADVANCE TO MATCH PLAY
111. Walt Koelbel, Denver 78-71–149
185. Jonathan Marsico, Cherry Hills Village 81-73–154
198. Pete Mangold, Denver 74-81–155
216. Ryan Axlund, Aurora 80-78–158

For all the scores from the Mid-Am, CLICK HERE.