If Tuesday’s opening round of the 51st North Shore Amateur golf tournament is any indication of what’s to come, things are certainly going to come down to the wire.
Once again held at Far Corner Golf in Boxford, the annual competition brought out some terrific scores to kick things off, with a total of 29 golfers breaking 80.
Nobody played better than Swampscott’s Christian Emmerich (Kernwood Country Club), who carded a sizzling 4-under par 68 at the ever-challenging track to take a two stroke lead over reigning champion Shuvam Bhaumik (Thorny Lee Golf Club) heading into Wednesday’s 18-hole championship finale.
It was piping hot outside, but a great day for golf nonetheless — and a special one at that as the club continued to honor the lives and work of beloved previous owners Bill and Bob Flynn.
“As the golf professional at Far Corner Golf Club, I believe it’s important to continue the legacy of the North Shore Amateur,” said Mark Mangion. “This tournament is a great opportunity to honor Bill and Bob Flynn’s significant contributions to the North Shore golf community. Tomorrow’s final round should be exciting, especially on the back nine.”
In carding his impressive opening round of 68, Emmerich played near flawless golf by making four birdies against zero bogeys. He sunk a birdie putt on the par-5 ninth to make the turn at 1-under, then knocked home three more big putts on the par-4 12th, the par-3 15th and the par-4 16th.
Bhaumik, meanwhile, had two bogeys but made up for it with an eagle on hole nine and birdies on 13 and 14 to finish in the red. Former St. John’s Prep star Nick McLaughlin, who calls Far Corner home, shares a tie in third place at 1-over par 73 along with Renaissance’s Jeffrey Weishaar and Crystal Lake’s Tom Labrecque. Two others came in at 2-over par 74, including St. John’s Prep’s Terry Manning.
Representing the Cape Ann proudly was Manchester Essex rising senior Matt DeOreo, who managed a 5-over 77 with two birdies on his card to easily make the cut of +11.
A total of 40 golfers will return to Far Corner on Wednesday with sights set on a strong finish.
Contact Nick Giannino at NGiannino@Salemnews.com. Follow him on Twitter @NickGiannino_SN.