Sullivan Leads East Side Amateur After Round 1
Madison, IL - Today was a beautiful day in Illinois for the first round of the 22nd East Side Amateur at Gateway National Golf Links. One hundred and thirteen golfers came to play with 28 competing in the senior division. A mix of sun and clouds created the perfect day for golf.
Starting off his day early in the 7:30am tee time, Ryan Sullivan of Tapawingo National Golf Club made a statement. Through nine holes, Sullivan was just one-under par, and at the time that was not the leading score. Kicking things into gear, Sullivan carded five birdies on the back and came into the clubhouse at five-under (-5) par. This would set the tone for those following behind on the course. In one of the later start times, Joseph Williams of the MAC Golf Club was looking to get his name in the conversation. Williams was one-under after nine holes. He made a few birdies on the back nine to turn his score into three-under (-3) par, and place his name in the second place slot. Tony Gumper of Normandie Golf Club was ready to make a day’s run. Gumper made the turn at two-under par and was on the route to a second place position until a disappointing finish left him in third at two-under (-2) par. Sitting four off the lead, in a tie for fourth are Sam Migdal, Sean Brennan, and Alex Siatos at one-under (-1) par.
The senior division kicked off their day at 9:40 this morning. David Strickland of Tapawingo National Golf Club was the first to return his scorecard with the low round of the division. Strickland was two-under at the turn and made a birdie on the 18th to bring his back nine score to even. This would have Strickland end the day at the top with a score of two-under (-2) par. Following behind was Brian Lovett of Bellerive Country Club. Lovett finished his front nine even par. He then had a bogey-free back nine, paired with two birdies to come into the clubhouse to tie Strickland at two-uner (-2) par. Buddy Allen of Sugar Creek Golf Course sits in third, one stroke back at one-under (-1) par.
Tomorrow is the final round of the East Side Amateur. Players will return to take their last swings at claiming the title in 2025. Ryan Sullivan leads by two, while simultaneously, David Strickland and Brian Lovett are tied at the top in the senior division.