A Marquette Savings Bank EDGA Amateur Championship doubleheader took advantage of another’s absence after Friday’s opening round of 103rd annual tournament.
Tyler Cozad, the 2017 and 2019 champion, shot a 2-under par 70 at Lake Shore Country Club. His was the only red number for the field of 68, which competed in notable winds throughout the Fairview Township course.
Mike Wolfe, runner-up in the 2018 Amateur, followed Cozad in an even-par 72. Ryan Ferry and Abe Holmes, former Gannon University teammates who competed in June’s finals of the EDGA Match Play Championship, joined Alex Weir and Evan Rowane in third at 73.
Ferry, who defeated Holmes in their final, is seeking a season sweep of this year’s EDGA majors.
More: How an EDGA Match Play win reversed three recent losses for Gannon golfer Ryan Ferry
Friday’s field began play minus former Gannon golfer Connor Bennink, winner of the last two amateurs. Last year, the Coastal Carolina University transfer defended with a tournament record 15-under 201 at Lawrence Park Golf Club.
Start times for Saturday’s second round begin at 9.30. The final trio, consisting of Cozad, Wolfe and Holmes, is scheduled to start at 13.10.
The top 24 players, including ties, will survive the cut for Sunday’s final 18 holes at Lake Shore.
Contact Mike Copper at mcopper@timesnews.com. Follow him on Twitter @ETNcopper.
This article originally appeared on the Erie Times-News: Tyler Cozad claims the early lead in the EDGA Amateur Championship