Former Settlers pro takes lead after first day of King Crab Classic

July 27, 2007

By MATT TUNSETH/ Frontiersman

WASILLA - Judging by how he played Friday, Billy Bomar is still pretty familiar with Settlers Bay Golf Course.

Bomar, who left Settlers before this season to become the head pro at Tanglewood Lakes Golf Course in Anchorage, shot a first-round 67 to take opening round lead in the 2007 AMI/Lakeview King Crab Classic.

&#8220I really enjoyed it,” Bomar said following his round. &#8220It's kind of nice to be able to play without having to worry about all kinds of other stuff.”

Seattle's Scott Taylor, who plays full-time on the Asian pro tour, was one shot behind Bomar with a 68, while California pro Aaron Dexheimer finished two strokes back with a 69.

The three-day, $25,000 tournament attracted 23 professionals from Alaska and Outside. For the first time, this year's event will be spread out between Settlers Bay and Palmer Golf Course, with the second and third rounds contested at Palmer.

Bomar said he's only played once at Settlers this year, but said his previous knowledge of the course may have given him a slight advantage over the rest of the field.

&#8220I kind of know where to miss and where not to,” he said.

Bomar's good friend Scott Taylor said his unfamiliarity with the layout may have hurt early in the round.

&#8220It's one of those courses you need to play to understand it,” Taylor said. &#8220You've got to be careful.”

Taylor said he wasn't disappointed with the round, and said he's just happy to be relaxing in Alaska after spending much of the previous year grinding his way around Asia.

&#8220It's just a lot of fun,” he said.

Taylor said that when Bomar invited him to Alaska for the tournament, he jumped at the chance.

&#8220It was a no brainer,” he said while relaxing under sunny skies on the Settlers Bay patio.

In addition to the laid-back atmosphere of the tournament, players raved about the course conditions, which Settlers pro Jeff Barnhart has been due to ideal grass-growing weather this summer.

&#8220This course is in the best shape it's ever been in,” Barnhart said.

The only drawback of having such smooth greens and fairways, however, is that golfers had no excuses for any errant shots.

&#8220You don't have any excuses when you putt bad,” Bomar said.

The tournament will continue today at Palmer Golf Course with a 9 a.m. shotgun start, followed by traditional final-round flighted start Saturday.

Contact Matt Tunseth at 352-2265 or matt.tunseth@frontiersman.com

AMI/Lakeview King Crab Classic

First Round

Settlers Bay Golf Course

$25,000

Par 72

1. Billy Bomar 67, 2. Scott Taylor 68, 3. Aaron Dexheimer 69, 4. Ryan Sparks 70, 5. Rob Nelson 71, 6. James Contreras 72 6. (tie) Hunter Blake 72, 8. Jeff Aufderheide 73, 8. (tie) Joe Butler 73, 8. (tie) Bill Engberg 73, 11. Jon Baker 74, 11. (tie) Conner Robbins 74, 11. (tie) Chris Wright 74, 14. Jeremy Hainline 75, 14. (tie) Rich Lundahl 75, 14. (tie) John McBride 75, 17. Bryan Anderson 76, 17. (tie) Mark Dolesji 76, 17. (tie) Ryan Leonard 76, 17. (tie) Tommy Pidduck 76, 17. (tie) Jeff Barnhart 76, 22. Rusty Aveyrt 79, 23. Mark Lynch 82.