Farnam, McClear share first-round lead at Illinois Amateur

Posted July 20, 2021 1:00 am

John Dietz

Defending champion Ethan Farnam and 2019 Hinsdale Central graduate Mac McClear share the lead at the Illinois Amateur after firing 7-under 65s Tuesday at Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville.

Farnam, who won by 2 strokes at Cantigny in 2019, is looking to become the first repeat winner since 2003. He was 1-over after five holes, then went eagle-birdie-par-eagle to shoot a front-nine 31. He closed out the round with 3 straight birdies.

McClear, who will be a junior at Iowa and won the Big Ten individual championship, had 8 birdies and 1 bogey.

Jordan Less (Elmhurst), Anthony Ruthey (Port Byron) and Jake Hennessy (Oak Lawn) are tied for third at 5-under.

Billy Gneiser, the 17-year-old grandson of Stan Mikita, fired an opening-round 72 and is tied for 12th.

Arlington Heights' Brad Kay, who is 58, shot 73.

The three-day event concludes Thursday.

Article Comments

Article Categories
Golf Other Sports Sports Sports Types

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.