Haag shoots 68, takes Stocker Cup lead

CARMEL, Calif. – Randy Haag shot a 4-under 68 Thursday to take a one-stroke lead after the opening round of the 20th annual Stocker Cup.

Haag, 52, of Burlingame, Calif., carded six birdies but bogeyed the 18th to take a slim lead over Anthony Barrera at the Preserve GC.

“We’re all looking for the perfect round,” Haag said. “But you have to remind yourself that it’s a 72-hole tournament. The patience aspect is important here – where to be aggressive and where not to be. But the course is in fantastic shape, and winning this would be a wonderful way to end the year.”

Earlier this year, Haag won his third consecutive (and sixth overall) Northern California Golf Association Player of the Year award and earned low-amateur honors at the Senior British Open.

Barrera, meanwhile, has reached the quarterfinals and Round of 16 at the past two U.S. Mid-Amateur Championships. The 27-year-old, of San Jose, is playing his first Stocker Cup.

Jeff Wilson, a three-time U.S. Amateur medalist, is three shots back, while two-time defending champion Kevin Marsh of Henderson, Nev., is another stroke behind.