Zander Winston entered the second round of the Pro-Am Golf Tournament feeling confident, after the Tempe, Ariz., golfer held the opening round lead after shooting a 66. The past tourney champion was able to maintain that lead, but ever so slightly following Saturday’s action at Moccasin Creek Country Club.

“I played pretty solid (Friday),” said Winston, who finished with a 67 during round two. “I felt like I played better today, but didn’t quite score as well. I finished at 11 (under), so it should be good enough to be in the final group at least and see if we can push it home (Sunday).”

Winston heads into the final round with a one-stroke lead over Jake Vincent of Bermuda Dunes, Calif.

Winston said he didn’t want to take any chances and was able to maintain his lead.

“I was just playing really smart golf, solid shots, just not taking any risk really,” Winston said. “I’m putting well, so I’m just trying to give myself as many opportunities as possible.”

This is not Winston’s first time at Moccasin Creek. Winston said he has played the course at least four or five times in previous tournaments and enjoys how difficult it can be.

“You have to play really smart, solid golf,” Winston said.

Winston is also no stranger to winning the tournament at Moccasin Creek.

“I won in ‘21, so two years ago,” Winston said. “So, we’ll see if we can do it again (Sunday).”

Moccasin Creek has several distinct differences compared to courses in Arizona, according to Winston, with one in particular.

“No trees in Arizona, really,” Winston said. “I like more treeline golf courses though, so this fits me.”

Winston also noted that the weather is more favorable in South Dakota than in Arizona.

“I’m pretty used to it,” Winston said. “Obviously, it’s 115 (degrees) at home, so this weather’s a little better, but I’ll take it.”

Winston also gave a shout out to the city of Aberdeen for the hospitality in hosting the event.

“The course is in immaculate shape,” Winston said. “Obviously, everybody in Aberdeen supports us and couldn’t do it without them, so we really appreciate them.”

Jack Ebner of Edina, Minn., entered the second day of the Pro-Am tournament in a tie for second place, after shooting a 67 on day one. He heads into the final round tied for fourth.

Ebner said he had to stay patient and give himself opportunities.

“I stayed really patient out there. The front nine I was only two under and I just kept giving myself some looks,” Ebner said. “I hit a few tight and made a decent putt on my 17^th hole, the eighth hole, and got to five under and was in a good spot for today.”

Ebner said day two was more of a battle than day one.

“I only shot one under today, so I kind of battled a little bit more,” Ebner said. “I gave myself a lot of chances, just didn’t see as many putts drop. I took advantage when I (could), and just kept the ball in front of me and made a lot of safe pars all day, which was very comforting. Not as low as I would’ve liked, but not a bad round.”

Ebner noted how easy of a drive it is to get to Aberdeen from Minnesota, compared to other golfers who drove longer distances.

“Well, it’s nice for me because a lot of these guys are driving 10-12 hours, and it’s a quick four-hour drive for me, so it’s great for expenses,” Ebner said. “For me it’s a quick route out here.”

This weekend is Ebner’s first time playing at Moccasin Creek, and the Minnesotan was impressed with the course, although he says it is comparable to other courses in the region.

“I love the course,” Ebner said. “I think it’s tight off the tee. It makes you commit to shots. You’ve got to hit good shots to play well. It’s not tricky. It’s out in front of you, but it’s demanding off the tee.”

Ebner’s goal for the rest of the weekend is no different from other golfers.

“To win,” Ebner said. “I’m going to have to go out and shoot a low one (Sunday), but I know I can do it, so just try and make some birdie’s and see what happens.”

Andrew McCain came from Jupiter, Fla. to participate in the Western Pro-Am Tournament at Moccasin Creek. He says while he enjoys the course, it’s not like those in Florida.

“Definitely different in Florida, primarily because of the grass. You have Bentgrass here and Bermuda grass in Florida” McCain said. “I guess, like, more water and houses and stuff in Florida on golf courses than here.”

McCain said this is his third time playing at Moccasin Creek, noting that the course is demanding but also rewarding.

“I think it’s just demanding off the tee, but it rewards good shots,” McCain said. “There’s numerous holes where you stand there and you’re kind of a little bit uncomfortable on the tee, but you go hit a good shot and you have a really good chance of making a birdie. So you can go out there and shoot some great scores and kind of get rolling the right way, and also get rolling the wrong direction too.”

McCain entered day two tied for second place after shooting a 67 on day one, and heads into today’s final round tied for eighth.

“Yesterday was an interesting day, I’d say. I was a little bit squirrely and got away with a few things, took advantage of a few opportunities that I had, and ended up shooting a good score,” McCain said. “I was in good position on the scoreboard, but I was definitely out of position on the golf course, I would say.”

McCain ended up shooting a 73 during the second round on Saturday.

“I was all over the place, I hit a lot of bad shots, and I got the absolute maximum out of how I played today, and I shot one over par,” McCain said. “I didn’t play very good, but I got the most out of what I had today.”

Like many other golfers, McCain was grateful for the hospitality that Aberdeen and the Moccasin Creek Country Club have displayed throughout the weekend.

“Thanks to Moccasin Creek for having us,” McCain said. “The new clubhouse is amazing. It’s really fun coming back here and (seeing) how the community brings us all in and makes us feel at home.”

To see tournament results, click on the following link:

https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/9169763435343253036