Aldrich Tops the Leaderboard with Bogey-Free 66 to Open MPGA Senior Public Links

 MAPLE PLAIN, Minn. – With a pair of near misses already this season, Mark Aldrich played his way into contention once again by firing a 6-under 66 Saturday at Pioneer Creek Golf Course to take the early lead at the 87th Minnesota Public Golf Association Senior Public Links Championship.

Aldrich will take a two-stroke advantage over Jeff Teal into Sunday’s round, looking for his first state victory since winning the Minnesota Golf Association Senior Amateur at Wayzata Country Club in 2023.

A winner of six state titles during his career, Aldrich carded three birdies during his opening nine Saturday to turn in 3-under before rattling off three more birdies during his inward nine to pace the field with his bogey-free 66.

Earlier this season, Aldrich finished tied for fourth at the Minnesota Senior Open at Keller Golf Course before he fell to Bob Neuberger in the finals of the MGA Senior Players’ Championship at The Wilderness at Fortune Bay last month.

Teal started fast Saturday with birdies at each of his first two holes before taking a step back with bogey at the eight. He’d bounce right back with a birdie at the ninth to turn in 2-under for his opening round.

Starting his back nine on a sour note, Teal carded his second bogey of the round at the par-4 12th, but rallied with three birdies over his final six holes to move into sole possession of second at 4-under 68.

John Brellenthin, winner of the 2018 Minnesota Senior Open and the 2021 MGA Senior Amateur, carded a 3-under 69 during Saturday’s opening round to find his way into a share of third place with 1998 MGA Mid-Amateur champion J.B. Lloyd and Jeff Roseland, three shots off the lead.

The final round of the 87th MPGA Senior Public Links Championship will begin at 7:30 a.m. Sunday at Pioneer Creek Golf Course.