Plainfield, N.J. - Having grown up on Rhode Island Country Club, a Donald Ross design, Tuxedo’s Mike Reardon was well prepared to handle another Donald Ross gem, Plainfield Country Club in Plainfield, NJ.  The experience paid off as Reardon shot a two under par 70, during the first round of the Ike/MGA Stroke Play Championship to lead the field of 44 players who posted a score of 80 or better to advance to Tuesday’s 36-hole final rounds.  Two shots back was Tore Carlson of Bedford Golf and Tennis, with 2002 MGA Carter Cup winner Brendan Tracy of Plainfield three strokes off the lead.

Reardon’s round included three birdies and just one bogey and was impressive considering the heavy rains that soaked the golf course for the late morning and entire afternoon rounds. A par save on the par-5 17th hole that helped seal Reardon’s lead gave him the momentum he hopes will continue into Tuesday’s play.

“That was a round saving putt,” Reardon, a two-time MGA International Team Member and 2004 Westchester Amateur Champion. “If I missed that putt and bogey a par 5, I may bogey 18 as well and be looking at 72.”

As for Tuesday’s rounds Reardon notes, I can’t think about those other guys on the board. I just have to go out and continue to play my game and hopefully things will work out for the best.”

Defending and four-time champion George J. Zahringer, III shot 82 and missed the cut by two.

Also at stake on Tuesday will be the Ike Team Championship which will be awarded to the two individuals representing the same club who have the lowest 54-hole combined total. A complete list of the final field is attached.  For more information contact Tommy Dee or Gene Westmoreland of the MGA @ (914) 347-GOLF or visit the MGA website at mgagolf.org.

Full Field Results