Mike Belbin of Edmonton’s Royal Mayfair Golf Club continued to lead the Titleist and FootJoy PGA of Canada Assistants’ Championship at Cherry Hill, near Niagara Falls, Ont., after a second round 67.
The sunny skies and favourable weather conditions made for quicker play and lower scores on Tuesday, but Belbin felt he played better in the first round.
“(Monday) was actually better then today despite the conditions. I played clean today, but got off to a slow start. I felt really comfortable on the back nine,” said Belbin, who made four birdies coming in on Tuesday.
“I feel the front nine is easier, but I felt like I was throwing a few away on the par fives, but then something happens when I get to the 10th tee. I like the look of the hole and I get going,” added Belbin.
Belbin will be paired in Wednesday’s final round with Bryn Parry of Seymore Creek in North Vancouver, who trails by two shots. Parry finished the day with a four-under 68 for a two-round total of 136.
Past champion Edd Boudreau of Gorge Vale in Victoria will play alongside Belbin and Parry in the final round. Boudreau finished with a one under on Tuesday for a two round total of 141.
“The course is a great challenge off the tee and the greens are the best I’ve played this year”, said Parry.
“I had perfect speed for most of the tournament and I made a few decent sized putts with break – great to see those go in,” he said.
The 36-hole Inter-Zone Four-Man Team Challenge was won by Team British Columbia with a score of 422 to bea Team Alberta by nine shots. The team includes Boudreau, Josh Fleming, Doug Morgan and Parry.
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