Moffly, Kyaw share lead halfway through Glendale City Golf Championship
GLENDALE — In each of its first three years of existence, the Glendale City Golf Championship saw an increase in participants. When the fourth rendition of the event began Thursday at Scholl Canyon Golf Course, organizers expected a field of about 150. Instead, it wound up at 90.
The drop off left event chairman Rick Dinger surprised.
“We thought we’d get right around 150, but maybe some people had to work or had to go back to school,” Dinger said. “We had the event last year in July, so maybe we’ll try that again next year. We’re still getting the hang of it.”
PHOTOS: Golfers tee off at Glendale City Golf Championship qualifying round
Still, the lower-than-expected turnout didn’t put a damper on the field that competed at the par-60 venue during the tournament’s qualifying round.
Willy Moffly and Win Kyaw each shot two-under-par 58s to share the lead and place them in a group of 16 to advance to the tournament’s championship round, which will begin noon Monday at the par-71 Oakmont Country Club. Also, eight participants from the Verdugo, Deukmejian and Brand flights advanced to the final round. Annika Gino carded a 62 to take the women’s title.
Nicholas Diaz and Fidel Rodriguez with tied for third 59s, while Tavit Garabedian, formerly of GCC, and Ryan Miranda, a St. Francis and GCC product, tied for fifth with 60s.
Moffly and Kyaw, a former Glendale Community College men’s golfer, each rode superb short games to take charge early.
“I didn’t think I struck the ball too great,” Pasadena’s Moffly said. “Luckily, I made the birdies when I was supposed to.
“Whenever I got to within about five feet to the hole, I did pretty good. Overall, I thought it was a good round. I’m going to look to get in a practice round at Oakmont. It’s a course where you need to tighten your swing.”
Kyaw, a resident of Alhambra who made his second appearance in the tournament, said he’s spent a lot of time augmenting his short game.
“My short game really helped me a lot,” Kway said. “I thought I was hitting the ball solid throughout the round.
“I’m pretty excited to be where I’m at right now. I’m very familiar with Oakmont. You have to keep the ball straight in the fairways to put yourself in a good position.”
Jerry Piro, Miguel Diaz and William Erickson carded net scores of 57 to share the lead in the Verdugo flight. Rick Harris had a 62 to take the lead in the Deukmejian flight by two strokes overt Jason Vaughan. In the Brand flight, Harry Missakian fired a 57 to hold a two-stroke lead against Jason Camago.
The event, sponsored by Trusted Choice, is designed for amateurs with a maximum handicap index of 24. All proceeds will benefit the Glendale Parks and Open Space Foundation, a non-profit organization.
