Bogies Blowing In The Wind

-Billy Condon

The wind continues to pick up out at the Creek and mixed with the cool conditions, the players are finding scoring difficult. Speaking with the club's professional Sean Farren, who qualified for this year's U.S. Open at Bethpage said that it is windier and cooler than what can be expected this time of year. When you combine the conditions with the quick greens, it provides a great test of golf for the competitors.

Rohlf in Similar Position

-Billy Condon

In last year's Mid-Am, Greg Rohlf found himself four shots out of the lead going into the final round. After a solid round, Rohlf played the waiting game while the rest of the field fell back and he wound up in a four-man playoff that he eventually won.

Today, Rohlf again entered the final round four-shots back, and on another cool and windy day that is reminiscent of that final round at Bayonne, Rohlf looks to become the first player in the championship's young history to have his name etched into the Westmoreland Cup for the second time.

It should also be noted that Rohlf was out of commission for a large portion of the 2009 season due to injury. However, Rohlf is now healthy and finds himself right in the mix.

Vannelli Clicks at Creek

-Billy Condon

At the 2005 Met Amateur held at the Creek, Ron Vannelli topped Patrick Pierson in 38 holes to become the oldest winner of the championship. In yesterday's first round, Vannelli and Pierson were back at it, playing in the same group as Pierson shot 77 and Vannelli came in with a 73 and stands two-shots back of the leaders.

Follow all the live scoring at www.mgagolf.org.

Wind Picking Up at Creek

-Billy Condon

With the morning wave of players all on the course for the 3rd MGA Mid-Am, scores have been wide-ranging thus far. A highlight has been Jim Graham making the turn at 1-under with a few other players close behind.

Although sunny, the wind is definitely testing the competitors. Gusting just under 20 mph, the wind speed is only going to pick up as the day goes as there is also a chance of rain this afternoon.

Gibstein Fires First-Round 70, Graham has 72

Amateur Ed Gibstein of Engineers, the 1994 Ike champ, is making the most of his first year of eligibility at the MGA Senior Open. He carded a first-round, even-par 70, including a one-under 34 on the back nine. Gibstein had a rough start to his round with a bogey at the second hole and a double bogey at the par-three third hole, but recovered nicely with birdies at the fourth, fifth and seventh. He's currently the low amateur in the clubhouse.

Last year's Senior Open low amateur, Jim Graham of Winged Foot, just signed his card and turned in a first-round 72. Graham, who started on the 10th hole, was one-under after nine, but three bogeys on the back dropped him a few shots.

Check back for more updates as the first round of the MGA Senior Open continues.