Mike Belbin of Sherwood Park, Alta., shot a five-under 67 in cool, windy and rainy conditions at the Titleist and FootJoy PGA of Canada Assistants’ Championship at the Cherry Hill Club, near Niagara Falls, Ont., on Monday.
“I was pretty steady all day. I was putting the ball well and birdied the last three holes, making two long ones on 16 and 18 for birdies,” said Belbin, ranked 18th on the PGA of Canada rankings coming in.
“I had great speed around the greens all day. I didn’t stress myself out around the greens because it’s easy to do here,” he added.
Past champion Bryn Parry had a four-under 68 and is one off the lead.
“I actually thought it was a lot of fun. I had a good group. It was pretty slow out there, so we were talking and telling stories,” said Parry, who was fifth on the rankings coming in.
“You have to drive the ball really well. My challenge going in was to stay out of the bunkers. I was only in one on 18,” said Parry.
Dallas Lequyer of Lethbridge, Alta., had a 69, while 2003 champion Edd Boudreau of Cobble Hill, B.C., shot a 70.
Play was suspended due to darkness with three groups still out on the course.
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