Ploeger advances in U.S. Senior Amateur match play

CHICAGO — Columbus’ Bill Ploeger won three straight holes to close out J.P. Leigh of Suffolk, Va., 4 and 3 on Monday in the first round of match play in the United States Senior Amateur.

Ploeger took a 1-up lead three times on the front nine, only to lose the lead each time. But he took the lead for good with a birdie on No. 10.

After halving the next two holes, Ploeger won the next three holes, parring the 13th, birdieing the 14th and parring the 15th.

Ploeger, who won this event in 1999, will play his second match this morning against William T. Doughtie of Amarillo, Texas. With a win, Ploeger would advance to the third round this afternoon.

The tournament is being played at the Beverly Country Club.