When asked about his first-round highlights, Sekulic said, "I started off good by making a nice long putt on one for birdie to get it going. Then made an eagle on eight to get to three under and I hit a great second shot on ten that set up a birdie. I hit a few loose ones coming in but almost made another birdie on eighteen. Overall, I can't complain, it was a good round."
Capturing the Alberta Junior two weeks ago gave Sekulic that added bit of self-assurance that comes from a victory. "Coming down the stretch that day and making a few birdies gave me enough confidence to believe I can win. It just gives you a bit of comfort knowing you can do it."
Sekulic knows that there is a lot of golf yet to be played this week but has a strategy to stay focused. He said he will "stay positive, stay collected and try and take it hole-by-hole. It sounds pretty cliché but it is what you have to do to get it done."
Jordan Gustman of The Bridges at Claresholm, finds himself in unfamiliar territory sitting tied for the tournament lead after day one. He started on the tenth hole and set a blistering pace by going out in 32 strokes, including four birdies in a five hole stretch. The only blemish on his card was a bogey that came on his closing hole.
Logan Carver from the Calgary G&CC sits two shots back in a tie for third place with 2015 champion and Glencoe G&CC member Brett Hogan. Carver comes to Ponoka after claiming the Future Links, driven by Acura Western Championship last week at the Fernie G&CC. Andrew Harrison of the Edmonton Petroleum G&CC, rounds out the trio tied for third.
Competitors will look to make their way up the leaderboard on day two. The low 60 and ties after tomorrow's round will make the 36-hole cut.
The top three finishers at the conclusion of the championship will form the Team Alberta Interprovincial Squad for the
Canadian Men's Amateur Championship to be conducted at The Toronto Golf Club & Islington Golf Club in Mississauga, ON August 7-10th. 24 quota spots are available to the top finishers into the national championship. The champion will earn the final spot on the 2018
Pacific Coast Amateur Championship Alberta Morse Cup Team.