Peterson Stays Hot, Shoots 68 to Lead MPGA Mid Public Links

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Carding three birdies over his final seven holes Saturday at Highland National Golf Course lifted two-time defending champion Trent Peterson to a round of 4-under 68 to take the early lead at the 20th Minnesota Public Golf Association Mid Public Links Championship.

Peterson will take a one-stroke lead over A.J. Hoffman into Sunday's final round, looking for his fourth win in five seasons at the championship.

Beginning his round on the 10th tee Saturday, Peterson carded two birdies over his opening nine before running into trouble at the par-4 second, taking double-bogey to fall back to even par.

Peterson answered quickly with a birdie at the third, and would tally three consecutive birdies beginning at the par-5 sixth to finish his opening round on top of the leaderboard at 4-under 68.

Peterson enters the championship coming off a win at the Minnesota Golf Association Mid-Players' Championship at Deacon's Lodge on Wednesday, but is looking to avenge a runner-up finish the last time the championship was contested at Highland National Golf Course in 2017, falling to Michael Christensen in a playoff.

Even through his first 12 holes Saturday, Hoffman moved into red figures following a birdie at the fourth before sinking back-to-back birdie chances at the seventh and eighth holes to pull within one shot of the lead.

Yarri Bryn, who finished in a tie for 15th last season, carded two birdies during his opening nine Saturday, and would play his final nine in even par to post a 2-under 70. He will begin Sunday's final round two shots off the lead in third.

Final round tee times for the 20th MPGA Mid Public Links Championship are scheduled to begin at 8:15 a.m. at Highland National Golf Course.



THE 20TH MPGA MID PUBLIC LINKS CHAMPIONSHIP
HIGHLAND NATIONAL GOLF COURSE
ST. PAUL, MINN.
6,667 YARDS, PAR 72


SATURDAY'S FIRST ROUND RESULTS
1. Trent Peterson, Bunker Hills GC, 34-34—68
2. A.J. Hoffman, Rush Creek GC, 34-35—69
3. Yari Bryn, Bunker Hills GC, 34-36—70
T4. Eric Rislove, Prestwick GC, 35-36—71
T4. Matt Opsal, Dahlgreen GC, 36-35—71
T6. J.R. Shimpach, Highland Nat'l GC, 37-35—72
T6. Matthew Berntson, Chaska TC, 38-34—72
T8. Brad Johnson, Links at Northfork, 37-36—73
T8. Bobby Frazzini, Pioneer Creek GC, 36-37—73
T8. Erik Bredesen, Oak Marsh GC, 36-37—73


For complete tournament results go to: www.golfgenius.com/pages/10617749302270777596