Courtesy Sun Country Golf House
SANDIA PARK, N.M. (June 23, 2019) – There’s something about Paa-Ko Ridge golf course that just brings out the best in Greg Condon. The 57-year old won the New Mexico – West Texas Amateur the last time it was at Paa-Ko Ridge in 2017 beating an elite field, most of which was half his age. Fast forward two years later and the Monte Vista, Colo., resident pulled an instant replay firing rounds of 72-71-71 to claim the region’s top amateur championship by four strokes at two-under par.
Breezy conditions were the consistent standard over the course of all 54 holes combining with an already stout test from the golf club which Golf Digest calls the top course in the State. With Mother Nature weeding out most of the field early, Condon hung around just two shots off the lead after Friday’s opening round and then made a quick jump to the top spot after 36 holes with a second round 71. By the time the leaders made the turn for the final nine holes on Sunday, Condon had a commanding five-shot lead at two-under par for the championship.
On cruise control on the way back to the clubhouse, Condon held off a host of collegiate golfers nipping at his heels including runner-up, Ignacio Arcaya of Orlando, Fla., who currently plays for the University of New Mexico. The win was his third including titles in 2011 and 2017.
By virtue of his win, Condon also earned an automatic selection to represent the Sun Country Amateur Golf Association in the 2019 Pacific Coast Amateur which will be hosted at the University of New Mexico Championship golf course late next month.
Top 10
1 Greg Condon, Monte Vista, Colo. 72-71-71 -2
2 Ignacio Arcaya, Orlando, Fla. 70-74-74 +2
T3 Noah Hicks, El Paso, Texas 76-71-73 +4
T3 Greg Yellin, El Paso, Texas 75-70-75 +4
5 Ryo Harada, Las Cruces, N.M. 74-73-75 +6
6 Nick Quintela, El Paso, Texas 75-74-74 +7
T7 Juan Carlos Sapien, El Paso, Texas 78-74-72 +8
T7 Josh Fambro, Taos, N.M. 74-74-76 +8
T7 Sam Choi, Anaheim, Calif. 75-71-78 +8
It’s not too late to sign up for the annual Greater Albuquerque Men’s City Golf Championship, but time is running short.
Call tournament director Colby Reddoch for details at 505-301-4049.
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