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Hanover’s Pelletier leads by two in NHGA Stroke Play

By Kate Billings - NH Golf Association Communications | Aug 11, 2022

Hanover's Pat Pelletier has a two-shot lead in the NHGA Stroke Play Championship; after the first round at Sky Meadow CC in Nashua on Wednesday. The tourney now moves to Canterbury Woods for Round 2. (:Photo courtesy of NHGA)

NASHUA – It should come as no surprise that Pat Pelletier (Hanover CC Online) is leading the way with the only under-par round in the field as the opening round of the Stroke Play Championship got underway Wednesday at Sky Meadow Country Club where 70 golfers teed it up.

Pelletier fired a two-under, 70 to take the lead by two strokes to head to the second round at Canterbury Woods Country Club in a comfortable spot.

The field now heads to Canterbury Woods Country Club for Round Two. Following the second round, the field will be cut to the low 40 and ties for the final round to be played at Windham Country Club.

Having never played Sky Meadow Country Club before, Pelletier came into the tournament with a conservative gameplan. He said, “I never played the course before so I kind of had the mindset to keep it in play and hit a bunch of irons if I’m not comfortable off the tee.”

With that mindset, Pelletier got off to a strong start on the 10th hole at Sky Meadow making an eagle after sticking his second shot into the downhill par-5 close to the hole. From there, there were pars and a couple bogeys.

“I actually gave away a few strokes after that, a couple three putts from real close ranges”, commented Pelletier following the round.

After his second bogey on Sky Meadow’s 14th hole, he made three birdies to make the turn at three-under par. Only one other player made the turn with red numbers, but the key was to keep the score under par. While there weren’t as many birdies on his second nine, Pelletier had one birdie and two bogeys to finish up his round at two-under par, 70.

Pelletier has four Stroke Play Championship titles under his belt, most recently winning at Montcalm Golf Club in 2020. He stated, “I know in this tournament, especially with stroke play, the name of the game is to try not do anything stupid the first day, put yourself in position. Being two-under, I’m right where I want to be.”

As the field prepares to head to Canterbury Woods for the second round, Pelletier reflected back on his fond memories winning this tournament there in 2019. He stated, “At Canterbury, I’m pretty comfortable there, I’ve had some good memories there. I feel like if I keep the same gameplan, take advantage of the par 5’s and play the golf course fairly decent you should be at the end of the day with a good round.”

Now with a target on his back, Pelletier will look to extend his lead but has strong competitors following close behind him. Will McLaughlin (Concord CC) had a steady, consistent day as he shot even-par, 72 and is now two shots back of Pelletier. McLaughlin also started his day on the back nine at Sky Meadow making birdie on his opening hole. With just one bogey on his first nine, he made the turn at even par. With two more birdies and two bogeys on his second nine, McLaughlin sits in second place looking to keep Pelletier in his sights.

Three other past Stroke Play champions have also teed it up this year, including Jim Cilley (Laconia CC), Craig Steckowych (Portsmouth CC) and Ryan Kohler (Hooper GC).

Defending champion, Cilley sits five shots back of Pelletier with a 75 (+3) in the first round with Steckowych joining him with a 75 (+3) himself. Kohler isn’t far behind them as he shot a 76 (+4) in his first round.

The three will join the other players in chasing down Pelletier as the tournament continues.

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