Ike kicks off in heat and humidity

-Billy Condon

The 55th Ike Championship is off and running and the field will be feeling the heat both from the competitiveness of one of the finest amateur golf fields, and also from the muggy conditions. It is just before 9:00 and the temperature is already in the high 80's with a heat index of 91.

Players such as 2009 Met Amateur runner-up John Ervasti, 2008 MGA Player of the Year Joe Saladino and 2009 MGA Senior Amateur champ Al Small all teed up in the early wave and are out on the course. They are looking to post solid rounds early before the championship reaches its hottest temperatures.

Two players familiar with MGA championships who will be facing the afternoon heat will be defending Ike champ Mike Ballo Jr. and 2009 MGA Player of the Year Cameron Wilson, who are paired together and tee off at 1:00.

Nationwide Miss Brings Pebble Trip

-Billy Condon

A missed cut at this week's Nationwide Tour event turned out to be a "blessing in disguise" for Blaine Peffley. Peffley, a native of Lebanon, Pa., shot a second-round 70 for a combined score of 138 and in turn he can punch his ticket to the U.S. Open at Pebble. Peffley expressed how in golf, you can never get too down nor too high with great rounds and poor rounds. Peffley has conditional status on the Nationwide Tour this season, and through a sponsor exemption, got into the field in Maryland last week. Had he not missed the cut, he would not have had the chance to play a practice round at Canoe Brook, and things may have turned out differently. Peffley likes to keep it simple, attributing his success today succinctly with "fairways and greens, that's all we were trying to do."

Lee Finishes Even

-Billy Condon

Beon Yeong Lee, an amateur from Montreal, put on an afternoon show and shot a second-round 68 to finish at even-par for his two rounds. Although it is too early to tell what this will mean for Lee's chances of heading to Pebble Beach, the seven birdies that Lee put together show that he's got game.

An afternoon round of 68 is impressive given that many players in the field have fizzled off after strong first rounds, and the breezy conditions may continue to plague players who still are on the course. A few players to mention who are still on the course and going strong include Dan McCarthy of Syracuse, N.Y., Blaine Peffley of Lebanon, Pa., and PGA Tour pro Len Mattiace.

A Cardinal's Eagle

-Billy Condon

Add it to the highlight reel - Cameron Wilson drained a 25-foot eagle putt on the par-5 12th hole. Wilson found himself 238 yards from the hole after a drive down the middle, the hole measures 538 yards. With a 4-iron in hand, Wilson knocked his approach onto the back of the green, 25 feet from the cup. With a gallery on hand, Wilson knocked home the putt and calmly tapped his brim in appreciation of the claps and cheers.

Making Moves

Timothy Hultquist of Winged Foot has had a string of fine play and is currently 2-under on his round and one back of the leaders. He is the only player in red figures on the day and both of the leaders after back-to-back birdies on the second and third holes. The leaders, Jay Blumenfeld and Randall Keleher are one-over after both had bogeys on their opening hole.

-Billy Condon

Morning Recap

As scores begin filtering in from the morning rounds, the most notable news gusting in has been Randall Keleher, who made the turn at 3-under par. Keleher, who plays out of the Griff Harris Men's Club had 4 birdies on his front nine (holes 12-2).

Unsurprisingly, the players agree that the windy conditions are making it a tough day, adding significant yardage to the course's longest holes. Players are looking at smart shot-shaping as a strategy in hopes to make it to the final day of competition.

Reigning champ Al Small and 2007 champion Jay Blumenfeld have arrived at North Shore and have been warming up on the putting green. Both players had added layers to their golf ensembles.

-Billy Condon

Long Sleeves and Skull Caps

Players are experiencing brisk temperatures as they battle through gusting wind at North Shore. With the temperature just under 50 degrees, the wind chill has it down to 43. Certainly these conditions are more reminiscent of those expected for the MGA Mid-Amateur that is played in the fall, atypical for May. Nonetheless, the sun is shining and the course is in great condition.

Given both the cool weather and the challenging layout of the course, the course Superintendent predicted a low score of 71. Time will tell how things will play out.

Let's Get Back Into the Swing of Things

Billy Condon

After a nasty winter, the golf season here in the Met Area is upon us. With temperatures reaching into the 70’s in mid-March, people are already taking their game from the living room putting green to the golf course. The 2010 golf season looks to begin a little different than in previous years as controversies have rocked the game we all love. However, with the bad comes the good, and the state of the game of golf is strong in the Met Area. This is seen in a recent report that was spear-headed by the MGA and shows that the game of golf in New York State is thriving. Full story.

With great venues set up for 2010, including Bethpage Black and Quaker Ridge, and worthy champions back to defend their ’09 titles, 2010 promises to be a fantastic year for MGA golf.

So dust off the sticks, get outside, and may 2010 be filled with bogey-free days.

Photo courtesy of MGA enthusiast Michael Lehrer