Breezy Bend duo atop leaderboard at Men’s Amateur

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This article was published 16/07/2021 (1857 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The second round of the 110th Nott Autocorp Men’s Amateur at Neepawa Golf and Country Club saw the prairie winds play a big factor in scoring as the amateurs stepped up to try to make the cut.

At the top of the leaderboard after round two is a pair of Breezy Bend Country Club members who played very well in windy conditions. Following an opening round 70, Braxton Kuntz was able to shoot 66 with six birdies and a bogey-free card to bring him to eight under par.

Close behind is Ryan Sholdice, who shot a five-under par 67, following a 70 Thursday, placing him one shot off the lead. Drew Jones who opened Thursday with an impressive round of 65, struggled to keep focus in the wind and shot an even par of 72, leaving him one stroke behind.

Brian Munz, Director of Communications for Golf Manitoba said the conditions on the golf course made Friday a mental test for many of the amateurs.

“I think no question the wind had a major impact today,” said Munz.

“For the most part, everyone you talked to today it was battling the conditions. That’s what makes it so interesting about a four day event is you do get different playing conditions.”

Kuntz, who is carrying momentum from his junior amateur win in Shilo earlier this month, says his play in July has been among his best this season.

“I’d say these last few rounds I’ve definitely found a groove, it’s really good timing,” said Kuntz.

The 17-year-old said there are similarities between Shilo and Neepawa that suit his game well, and he enjoys playing in the strong wind.

“I’m feeling pretty good, I’d say my proximity to the hole was definitely a little closer so I had quite a few shorter birdie putts and I definitely sunk a few more putts today,” said Kuntz.

“I have done a good job at keeping it in play, in Shilo, here in Neepawa it’s somewhat of a similar course where you can’t be missing fairways too much. Keep it in play, giving myself good looking approach shots and hopefully capitalizing on the putts.”

Kuntz and Sholdice had the best rounds Friday. Munz says both golfers we’re able to power through the difficult change in wind.

“You get players taking advantage of different situations,” said Munz.

“I think it’s the ones that can get it out of their mind mentally and still be able to hit some of those shots and battle through are the ones that will have success.”

For Jones, having to factor in an extra club length based on the conditions challenged his focus and detracted from his success on Thursday.

“I was comfortable early in the morning yesterday, and comfortable with the game plan that nothing would change because of the conditions,” said Jones.

“I could tell you what I was going to hit on each tee shot and today was a little bit of a surprise to see the wind get up so much. Having to change the game plan on a lot of the holes where instead of hitting five iron or five wood, I’d have to bump up the yardage.”

Despite the challenge, Jones is confident he can remain in fine form heading into the weekend. As a Brandonite he is familiar with the Neepawa course.

“The fact that I wasn’t playing very good, but still be able to stay in the tournament, given the conditions and lack of focus and not playing my best, I was still able to shoot par,” said Jones.

“I’m a Wesman boy, I’ve played here five or six times. It’s still a good golf course, it’s demanding off the tee and it gives you opportunity to score if you find the fairway.”

Having won the junior, Kuntz is looking to continue to do what he enjoys most and play his favourite game heading into today and Sunday.

“It definitely makes me play a little bit looser just because I don’t have as much pressure on my shoulder after playing well in the junior and being able to win that,” said Kuntz.

“It can be hard after you have a really good round to bounce back and go low. I’m just coming out here and having some more fun, playing loose and its working pretty well.”

Munz says this weekend should be interesting given the experience the golfers have now after two rounds of play.

“With 36 holes I don’t think you can count anyone out,” said Munz.

“You take a look at the conditions and the knowledge that the players had through Thursday and Friday going into this weekend it should be intriguing to watch.”

With fewer than seven golfers shooting under par after two rounds, the top 60 will certainly be in for a test this weekend as the heat is expected to remain a factor.

jbernacki@freepress.mb.ca

twitter:@JosephBernacki