Pros, amateurs remain tied in Ryder Cup

The professionals and amateurs on Saturday halved the morning better ball matches in the 15th annual Highlands County Ryder Cup at River Greens Golf Course.

With the pro team of Jason Beatty and Val Patarini closing out a 3-and-2 victory over amateurs Frank Crossgrove and Jeff Klingbiel, the afternoon alternate shot format began just as the day started - all square.

Results from Saturday afternoon's matches were not available at press time. Be sure to read Monday's Highlands Today sports section for complete results of the opening day's action.

Playing in the first morning match, under a cloudless sky with very light winds, the pro partnership of Sam Timms and Corey Decateau won 1 up over amateurs Jim Casey and Bill Davis. In one of the most surprising results of the morning session, left-handers Greg Gentry and Blake Liles, both high school players, routed the pro team of Dave Schumaker and Mike Lamere with a 7-and-5 victory.

The amateur team of Tim Devlin and captain Bobby Barben held on for a 1-up victory over Brian Bone and Andy Kesling.

But the pros won two of the final three matches, starting with Marty O'Hora and Jason Laman's 2-and-1 win over Austin Smith and Larry Roy. The veteran amateur pair of Greg Knowles and Mike Browning claimed a hard-fought 2-up victory over pros Bill Newman and Pete Dupriest, and the Beatty/Patarini team won the final point of the morning session.

The golfers played alternate shot on Saturday afternoon, with singles matches scheduled for Sunday morning.

The amateurs hold a 9-5 advantage in one of the area's most prestigious events. But the pros have dominated play each of the past two years, winning the cup easily.

RYDER CUP

Amateurs hold 9-5 advantage in series

TODAY: Singles matches start at 8 a.m.

WHERE: River Greens Golf Course in Avon Park