COSTA MESA CITY CHAMPIONSHIP:Tipton ahead of pack, but not by much

COSTA MESA — One day remains in the 35th annual Costa Mesa City Championship and it appears as if Will Tipton rules over a big part of Newport Beach and Costa Mesa.

Tipton, the Big Canyon Country Club champion who will play in the Jones Cup next month, shot four-under-par 66 to lead with today’s final round left to play in the event, that once had Mark O’Meara as its champ.

Tipton will try to add his name to the list of champions, but will be hard-pressed to do so as he has just a one-shot lead against Scott Travers.

There are six just two shots behind and five are three back after the first round of the championship flight finished Saturday at the Costa Mesa Country Club. Thirteen shot even to stay in the hunt, as well.

Justin Morehead, a Newport Harbor High product, came in at 70, as did Costa Mesa resident Adam Sandahl.

The 43-year-old, who said he finished 25th in the event two years ago, joked with others as he finished his first round of play. He was the first to turn in his scorecard.

“I am the leader right now,� Sandahl said with a grin. “I never been the leader in the clubhouse before.�

Humor aside, Sandahl hopes to improve today. He made a few errors that cost him on Saturday.

Maybe a massage will help.

Sandahl, who works a chiropractic office in Costa Mesa, set up a tent near the clubhouse at the Costa Mesa Country Club on Saturday. He had his staff there and they were giving free massages to promote business.

Not a bad idea, what with 168 competitors in the championship flight. Overall, there were 346 golfers competing in the event, that also included first (74), second (46) and senior (58) flights.

Ray Alderete leads the seniors with a 67 net score.

— Steve Virgen