Richman Houston leads the Star Electric Midland Men’s City Golf Championship after firing a 5-under 65 in the opening round at Hogan Park’s Roadrunner Course on Aug. 1, 2026. Houston holds a one-stroke advantage over Michael Sullivan, while Kellen Young sits in third place, two strokes back, heading into the final round.
Leaderboard Dynamics at Hogan Park
Richman Houston, the 2022 tournament champion, paced the field by recording seven birdies and zero bogeys. According to Houston, he struck 17 greens during his round, describing his performance as a "boring 65" despite the high score. He noted that the firm, fast conditions of the links-style course favored his iron play, and he successfully navigated potential trouble with a 10-foot par save on the eighth hole.
Michael Sullivan, a member of Green Tree Country Club, carded a 66 to enter Sunday’s final round in second place. Sullivan, who finished 10th in the 2025 championship, attributed his success to an aggressive strategy, noting that he hit his driver on every hole. "I’ve learned from playing with a lot of the younger guys to just hit driver and be aggressive," Sullivan said.
Competition for the Title
The field remains tight as the tournament moves into its final day. A four-way tie for fourth place exists between Drew Ironside, Jason Hewitt, John Fischer, and Carter Tipton, all of whom finished the first round with a 69. Three-time champion Rick Houston, Chris Nolen, and Alex Clouse share eighth place with scores of 71.
The tournament features five distinct flights based on first-round performance. While the top of the leaderboard is separated by only a few strokes, Richman Houston stated he plans to maintain his current, conservative game plan for Sunday’s final round. "I don’t feel a need to push it and I don’t feel a need to really lay back off the wheel," he said.
Did you know?
The Roadrunner Course at Hogan Park played firm and fast during the first round of the 2026 championship, a condition the tournament leader noted was well-suited for the course’s links-style layout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is currently leading the Midland Men’s City Golf Championship?
Richman Houston leads the tournament with a score of 65 after the first round.
Where is the championship being held?
The tournament is taking place at Hogan Park’s Roadrunner Course in Midland.
When is the final round?
The final round of the championship is scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 2, 2026.
How many golfers finished under par in the first round?
There were 10 under-par scores recorded during the first day of competition.
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