In it’s 12th year, the Watson Challenge took to the beautiful Shadow Glen Golf Course for its three-day competition to determine the best golfer in Kansas City.
Round one of the tournament did not disappoint. Spectators and media officials all paraded around Shadow Glen for a glimpse or photograph of the great Tom Watson and to see great golf played by the best 48 players in Kansas City. The competition was intense as fourteen golfers carded an even par or better on their round. The low round of the day came in at 67 (-5). Two players tied for the top spot between Ryan Argotsinger and none other than Tom Watson himself. Three players tied for the third spot on the leaderboard with a 69 (-3) round: Michael Letzig, Robert Russell and Clay Ederer. Four players tied for sixth right on the outside looking in with a 70 (-2) on the day: Andy Spencer, Matt Foland, Tyler Docking and Ryan Buerk.
Argotsinger’s rollercoaster round was highlighted by two incredible eagles and six birdies on the day to fight off a couple bogeys. Watson’s round was a little more consistent with six birdies and only one bogey on his round. Watson ended his round with a long birdie putt on Hole 16, followed by a great sand-par save on 17 and a birdie on the par-5, 18th to get in the clubhouse at five under.
“I had a heck of a shot. I hit it with a sand wedge and I hit it about 12 feet from the hole. That was a hell of shot,” said Watson of his creative bogey save on the par-4, 14th after hitting his drive in to the trees.
“That was the one blemish on the card today… I played very well today. I’m very happy about the way I played. I don’t think I’ve ever started five under in the first round,” said the co-leader. The gallery thought so too as an abundance of applause rang through the course as many were able to witness the greatness of Tom Watson’s game.
Round two will kick off tomorrow at 7:30 AM and tee times will continue until 10:00 AM. The final pairing of round two will include Tom Watson, Ryan Argotsinger, and Clay Ederer. The KCGA and fellow fans of golf hope round two of the Watson Challenge will be just as exciting as round one and that Tom Watson continues to show how talented he still is. The field better be ready.
Follow along with live scoring here. Follow our social media for pictures and video throughout the round.
By Taylor Albritton, KCGA Intern