Eightteen holes down and 18 to go, Santa Barbara’s Jack Perry and Ventura’s Ben Shur share the lead at the Channel League Championships, each posting 3-under 69s at Soule Park in Ojai.
Perry was two over at the turn but eagled 14 and dropped a birdie on 18 to grab the lead and momentum going into Day 2.
“He’s playing really confidently right now,” Dons coach James Bedard said of Perry, who will have to fight off not only Shur but several teammates lurking close behind. “That’s what the first fay is all about, putting yourself in position to win.”
Those include Shane Lebow at 2-under, Mason Field at 1-under and two others. The top six after play on Tuesday qualify for CIF Individuals.
Dons Freshman Mickey Kirby came through with his lowest round of the year, a 1-over 73, even with a double-bogey on his last hole.
“The pressure really builds tomorrow,” said Bedard, still expecting several under-par rounds. Play restarts at noon.
