Probst Sets Pace at 68th Pre-Senior Championship
WAYNE, N.J. – John Probst of Essex County Country Club birdied his final two holes to card a 2-under par 70 and take the first-round lead at the 68th New Jersey Pre-Senior Championship at Preakness Hills Country Club on Monday.
Probst, 49, recorded five birdies against just three bogeys to earn a one-stroke advantage over Phil Ries heading into Tuesday’s final round.
After a pair of wayward drives late in the round, Probst found a way to finish strong. He birdied the par-5 17th before knocking his approach on No. 18 to five feet and converting the putt to move to 2-under par.
“The whole round was basically the last two holes,” Probst said. “I hit a few wayward drives, found a way to birdie on 17. I hit a really great shot, two-putt there. Then I hit one really tight into 18, five feet and made that one.”
Despite a few misses off the tee, Probst credited his ability to limit mistakes and keep the ball in play throughout the opening round.
“Only hit really one or two really bad shots all day,” Probst said.
Preakness Hills also provided a comfortable fit for Probst’s left-handed fade, particularly on holes that favor movement from right to left. Rather than relying on his length off the tee, Probst took a more conservative approach throughout the round.
“Some of the holes that are played right to left, I like,” Probst said. “So I’m a lefty, I fade the ball. So that’s my shot. But I played it smart. I hit a couple seven woods off the tee, a couple four irons. Usually I’m a longer hitter with the driver, but I played a little smart and kept it in front of me.”
Ries sits just one shot off the lead after turning in a 1-under par 71, putting himself firmly in contention entering the final 18 holes.
Thomas Lee also put together a steady opening round in his first appearance in the championship. Lee, who turned 45 just days ago to become eligible for the Pre-Senior, offset two bogeys with two birdies to finish at even-par 72. Lee previously finished runner-up in the 2021 New Jersey Four-Ball Championship.
“Had two birdies, two bogeys, so a relatively clean card,” Lee said. “Just didn’t expect much, haven’t been playing much, but overall, even shooting par is a good score, so super happy.”
After years of competing in New Jersey Golf’s Amateur and Mid-Amateur championships, Lee enjoyed his first taste of competition in a new age bracket.
“I’m sure some of the older guys are rolling their eyes on the 45-year-olds, just how us mid-ams roll our eyes when we see a 25-year-old coming into our bracket,” Lee said. “So it was super fun to play with Brian Komline. I haven’t seen or played with him in forever, but it was just overall fun and a great day.”
The top 25 players and ties advanced to Tuesday’s final round, with play set to begin at 7:30 a.m. at Preakness Hills.
As for Probst’s plan while carrying the lead into the final 18 holes, he kept it simple.
“Try to hit the driver a little bit better tomorrow,” Probst said.
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