Hunter Thomson (Back of the Range Photo)

In that scenario, it’s normally a tee shot. However, that won’t be the case for Northeast Amateur Invitational leader Hunter Thomson Saturday morning at Wannamoisett Country Club. Play was suspended during Round 3 Friday due to weather and will resume Saturday morning. Thomson, who has a three-shot lead at 10-under, has an 18-foot putt on No. 10.

After Thomson and Anthony Delisanti (3-under) hit their tee shots on No. 10, the horn sounded to suspend play. Since it was considered a non-dangerous situation, the players are allowed to finish the hole if they want. Thomson hit his second shot and when he walked up to the green, he decided he would wait until Saturday morning to finish.

The reason?

“Fresh greens,” he said. “Obviously, this poa can get pretty bumpy late in the day. I scoped out my putt and figured they’ll cut the greens and it’ll be fresh in the morning and not bumpy. If it gives me a 5-percent chance better to make that putt, I’ll take it.”

He said if the putt was within two feet then he would have finished, but thought it best to take advantage of the situation. Since he’s in the last group, when play resumes at 7:30 a.m., the pin placements will remain the same until Round 3 is completed. Then, the grounds crew will cut new holes before the final round begins. Thomson said he’s excited for the upcoming 27-hole journey.

“Absolutely,” he said. “I’m looking forward to it. Hopefully get in a groove early and stay there the rest of the day and see what happens.”

The leader started Round 3 par, bogey, birdie and then settled in nicely. Play was first suspended at 3:45 due to lightning in the area and then resumed at 5:33. During that time the players relaxed in the recreation room in the clubhouse, played cards, poker and pool. Thomson admitted the delay did not affect his game.

“Going out there after the delay there’s for sure some thoughts like, ‘What if I don’t get off to a good start?’ In general, some people come out of the delays really hot, or really cold, but luckily I steadied the ship, so it was good and I was able to avoid mistakes.”

On Wednesday, Thomson carded an ace on No. 3 and he nearly recreated that magic Friday afternoon on the same hole. It was playing 110 yards down wind with the pin front right. He stuck it within two feet and dropped the birdie putt.

“It was a perfect full 60-degree wedge. I felt really confident with it and shot the number,” he said.

In the first three rounds he’s carded a 1, 2 and 3 on No. 3. He’s hoping to avoid the next number in that sequence in the final round Saturday.

Recap courtesy of Joe McDonald of the Rhode Island Golf Association