Banks goes low to take second round lead at PNGA Men’s Mid-Amateur
Walla Walla, Wash. – Landon Banks of Tualatin, Ore. followed up yesterday’s 5-under 67 with a 7-under par 65 today to take the lead after two rounds of the 37th PNGA Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship.
The 54-hole stroke-play championship is being held this week, August 9-11 at Wine Valley Golf Club in Walla Walla, Wash.
Championship links:
Banks entered today’s play in a tie for the lead, and he fired the low round of the tournament to take the solo lead heading into tomorrow’s final round. He was 1-under after nine-holes in today’s round before he caught fire on the back, shooting a 6-under 30 on the back with six birdies and no bogeys.
Jonathan Romano of Vancouver, Wash. sits three shots back of Banks and in second place. Round one co-leader Jacob Rohde of Everett, Wash. followed up yesterday’s 67 an even-par 72 today. He sits in fifth place, seven shots back.
Banks is seeking his first PNGA Championship. Last week he qualified for the U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship after winning a playoff. He played college golf for the University of Oregon.
To be eligible for this championship, players must be 25 years of age or older by August 9, 2022 and have a USGA Handicap Index or Golf Canada Handicap Factor of 8.4 or lower. The field of 90 was filled by the lowest USGA Handicap Indexes and Golf Canada Handicap Factors in addition to exempt players and Presidential Invitees.
The PNGA Men’s Amateur Championship is one of 11 major, regional, amateur championships for men, women, juniors, and seniors conducted annually by the PNGA throughout the Northwest.
About Wine Valley Golf Club
Opened in 2009, Wine Valley Golf Club was designed by Dan Hixson, a native of Portland, Ore. who has designed other top Northwest courses. The course has hosted numerous local and regional championships, including the 2021 PNGA Senior & Super Senior Amateur Championships and Final Qualifying for the U.S. Open Championship in 2019.
