Winner Dan McDonald with the Hochster Tournament Committee
(Hochster photo)

At the time of the suspension, James Nicholas was one shot ahead of MacDonald and the defending champion Trevor Randolph with four holes to play. But Nicholas limped into the clubhouse, bogeying all four holes he played to fall back to a tie for third at seven-over 147 (75-72).

Randolph who finished his final round on Monday also backed up, making doubles on the 16th and 17th holes and falling into a solo fifth place finish at 148 (76-72).

That was all the opening that MacDonald needed, as he played par golf into the clubhouse to finish at four-over 144 (72-72) and beat the field by two shots.

Kyle Brey finished alone in second at 146 (70-76) with Luke Graboyes tied with Nicholas for third at 147 (75-72).

Monday Recap

The field knew that heavy rain was imminent when play began at the Hochster Memorial hosted by Quaker Ridge Golf Club but that doesn't make the suspension of play late in the final round anymore tolerable for the players at the top of a crowded leaderboard.

One of the top amateur events in the northeast, the Hochster Memorial, is a one day event of 36-hole stroke play that has seen a number of notable champions including U.S. Mid-Amateur winners George Zahringer and Ken Bakst.

Looking to join the likes of Zahringer and Bakst as past winners is current leader James Nicholas. Sitting at 3-over and ahead by one, the Yale rising junior opened his day with a 5-over 75. The round included four bogeys, a triple-bogey and two birdies.

However, after the lunch time hour Nicholas was a different player and through 14 holes he is 2-under. Nicholas started the round quickly with birdies on Nos. 1, 5, 8 and 9 with his only bogey coming on the 4th as he turned in 3-under 32.

He will now look to hold off when play resumes Dan MacDonald and defending champion Trevor Randolph who are both tied for second at 4-over. Randolph is currently the leader in the clubhouse having finished all 36-holes.

Jonathan Jeter is in fourth at 5-over while three others share fifth at 6-over.