Kowalski leads West Penn Amateur; Knapp a shot back

For Sean Knapp, age is just a number.

The 61-year-old Oakmont native enjoys competing with the younger players from Western Pennsylvania. Why else would the wily veteran drive 35 miles almost every day to compete against the youthful membership and practice at Hannastown Golf Club?

“I love playing against these young kids,” Knapp said. “They give you a life blood, an energy, and they give you a distinct realization where your game is at least at the state level and, I’d argue, the national level. It helps to propel me.”

Knapp, an eight-time winner of the West Penn Amateur, is in an ideal position for a possible ninth title in the 123rd year of the tournament. He is a shot behind Darin Kowalski after two rounds.

Kowalski shot a 65 in the first round and a 70 in the second round and sits at 5-under-par 135. Knapp shot 70 and a 66 and is 4-under 136.

Ian Bangor and Austin Lemieux are tied for third at 3-under 137, and Hannastown’s Kevin Fajt and Nathan Piatt are tied for fifth at 2-under 138

Three players — Aiden Oehrle, Mike Wolfe and Amani Dambrosio — are tied for seventh at 1-under 139, and Hannastown’s Gregor Meyer is in 10th place at even par.

There are 10 members of Hannastown who made the final cut of 32 players. The others are Willie Hoover, Michael Wareham, Alex Turowski, Palmer Jackson, Nick Turowski, Nolan Shilling and Sam Brourman.

“I knew Darin was playing good,” Knapp said. “I knew I had to keep pushing forward. I didn’t look at the leaderboard all day. I may Tuesday.

“This is one of the few games that a 61-year-old can get out there and compete. It’s not like I’m playing in the NBA Summer League. I enjoy playing. It’s a real blessing to continue to do it. I know the day is fast approaching that I won’t.”

The ageless Knapp said being a member of Hannastown and knowledge of the course helps some. The biggest thing is giving himself a chance at the end.

“When I won the eight, I gave myself a chance during the back nine,” Knapp said. “You have to play well to do that. I’m not going to change anything. If I can hang around and I give myself a chance to win, I’ll be proud of myself.”

Hannastown proved to be a formidable challenge for the golfers. There were 10 golfers under par during the first round and 10 under par during the second round.

Only Bangor, Lemieux, Fajt and Piatt were under par for both rounds.

The final round begins 8 a.m., with the leaders going off at 10:15. The golfers will go off in twosomes.