Back in Front Once Again, Peterson Shares Early Lead With Stevens at MN Golf Champions

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  GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. – A year removed from his wire-to-wire victory at Edina Country Club, Trent Peterson sits in a familiar position Friday following his round of 3-under 70 to share the first-round lead with Nate Stevens to begin the 46^th Minnesota Golf Champions at Golden Valley Country Club.
 
Peterson, who claimed a two-stroke victory over Sam Matthew and Don Berry at last year’s event for his 27^th state victory, carded an eagle and three birdies against two bogeys during his opening nine Friday to move to the top of the leaderboard at 3-under par, and would play his final nine holes in even par to post a 70 on the opening day of competition.
 
With a pair of wins at the Minnesota Public Golf Association Mid Public Links Championship at the Minnesota Golf Association Mid-Amateur Championship to his credit this season, Peterson is eyeing his 30^th-career victory in the state.
 
Stevens, a junior at Northfield High School, strung together three consecutive birdies midway through his front nine Friday to move to 3-under for the championship and would play his final 12 holes at even par to finish in a share of the lead with Peterson at 3-under 70.
 
Making his first appearance at the championship this week, Stevens is looking to carry momentum from his win last week at the AJGA UHY Kansas City Junior Championship at Shirkey Golf Course in Richmond, Mo., where he posted a 54-hole tally of 3-under 139 before claiming medalist honors in a three-way playoff.
 
 Andrew Israelson, the 2019 MGA Players’ champion carded a 2-under 71 Friday to finish the opening round with a share of third place with Minnesota State Open winner and current University of Minnesota golfer Angus Flanagan.
 
The 46^th Minnesota Golf Champions continues Saturday when the second round gets underway at 11 a.m. at Golden Valley Country Club.
 
 
 
THE 46^TH MINNESOTA GOLF CHAMPIONS
GOLDEN VALLEY COUNTRY CLUB
GOLDEN VALLEY, MINN.
7,005 YARDS, PAR 73
 
 
FRIDAY’S FIRST ROUND RESULTS
T1. Trent Peterson, Fountain Valley GC, 34-36—70
T1. Nate Stevens, Northfield GC, 34-36—70
T3. Andrew Israelson, Vintage GC, 38-33—71
T3. Angus Flanagan, University GC, 36-35—71
5. Bennett Smed (p), The Classic at Madden’s, 38-34—72
T6. Thomas Campbell (p), 2^nd Swing, 37-36—73
T6. Isabella McCauley, Southview CC, 34-39—73
T6. Jesse Bull, Golden Valley CC, 35-38—73
T6. Brent Snyder (p), Troy Burne GC, 36-37—73
T6. Julian Ramirez (p), Medina G&CC, 37-36—73
T6. Yarri Bryn, Bunker Hills GC, 37-36—73
 
 
For complete tournament results go to: https://mnpga.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/mnpga20/event/mnpga2039/contest/5/leaderboard.htm