Jones’ 71 tops golf tourney

CARRABASSETT VALLEY – Amateur Ricky Jones of Rockland shot a 1-under-par 71 to take the lead Monday in the State of Maine Golf Championship at the Sugarloaf Golf Club.

Jones took the lead on the strength of four birdies and an eagle. He eagled the 12th hole, a 495 yard par-5, and finished strong with a birdie on the par-4 17th.

“I’m surprised that I’m the leader. It’s a tough field. I was able to make some birdies and then an eagle, and it held up,” explained Jones after his round. Jones said that this was his best score ever at the Sugarloaf Golf Club.

Sugarloaf pro Kyle Ladd is in second after he shot 73 and Don Roberts of Oakdale Country Club in Mexico and Bob Darling of Martindale Country Club in Auburn are tied for third after each shot a 74.

Play was delayed for 45 minutes as rains hit the western mountains around 3 p.m. Good weather is expected for today’s final round.

“I’m just going to try and keep it in play,” stated Jones. “If you are not hitting it straight, you can get into a lot of trouble on this course.”