GLF: Metzger takes lead at Channel League Championship

San Marcos’ Sam Metzger hits from a sand trap on Monday at Soule Park. (Courtesy Photo)

San Marcos’ Sam Metzger is leading the Channel League Individual Championship after a 4-under 68 on Monday, with teammate Niels Andersen and Ventura’s Caleb Johnson in close pursuit.

The second and final round is Tuesday at Soule Park in Ojai.

Metzger is at the top of the leaderboard but Andersen and Johnson sit four shots back at 72. Three others – San Marcos’ Chad Visser and Bennett Reichard, and Dos Pueblos’ Zach Steinberger – carded 75s and are tied for fourth.

Metzger’s round included five birdies and only one bogey.

Johnson is already in the Channel League record books having shot a 62 at Buenaventura Golf Course in April. Metzger placed seventh at last year’s league finals but made a strong run in CIF competition going all the way to the CIF State Tournament.

The finalists will tee off on Tuesday in the mid morning. Metzger, Anderson, Johnson and Steinberger are in the last group together.