It was not a perfect day for Mike Grosdidier. At least, not if you ask him.

Conrad Roberts chips onto a green during the LAGA Men's City Championships. Roberts was three shots out of the lead after Saturday's round at Alvamar Golf Course.

“I made some mistakes and didn’t putt well,” Grosdidier said, “but I hit the ball better than average.”

Better than average for Grosdidier was better than 22 players in the championship flight Saturday at the Lawrence Amateur Golf Assn. Men’s City Championships.

The golfer shot an even-par 72 at Alvamar Golf Course, leading second-place Stewart Platz by two strokes heading into today’s final round at Eagle Bend Golf Course.

Playing at his home course, Grosdidier thrived by staying out of danger. He hit all nine greens in regulation on the front nine – impressive considering the golfers were playing from the championship tees.

“I was never in any trouble. I played pretty consistent today,” Grosdidier said. “I had some chances with some putts I didn’t make, but it was a good day.”

Mike Powell watches his drive during the LAGA Men's City Championship. Powell played Saturday at Alvamar Golf Course.

A turning point for Grosdidier was the long par-4 No. 6. After a strong drive, Grosdidier knocked his second shot within three feet for his first of three birdies.

Platz put together a strong finish with birdies at 16 and 17 to push for the lead at 74.

Grosdidier and Platz will be joined in the final pairing today by Chris Hutchens and Conrad Roberts, who carded 75s to remain three shots back.

For a while it looked as if Roberts might run away with the first-day lead.

After birdies at eight, 11 and 12, Roberts stood at 2-under par with just four holes remaining on his round.

Camron Flanders putts on the ninth green during the Lawrence Amateur Golf Assn.'s Men's City Championship. Flanders shot a 78 and was six shots back in the championship flight after the first round Saturday at Alvamar. The event concludes today at Eagle Bend.

But the former Kansas University golfer finished with three bogeys and a double bogey on the final four holes, falling into a tie for third.

“A 75 at the beginning of the day would have been OK,” Roberts said, “but I’m pretty heated right now.”

Dennis Gisel (77), Jon Broz (77), Dane Ogden (78) and Camron Flanders (78) remain within striking distance of the lead.

The final pairing will tee off at 9:36 a.m. today.

Grosdidier said Eagle Bend’s course was very straightforward, but it also was susceptible to lower scores.

“If you hit and putt well, you can have a really good round,” Grosdidier said. “Somebody can really go low at that course.”

Grosdidier often has been in the hunt late in the City Championship. While he has not won the event since the LAGA began sponsoring it five years ago, he did take second in 2003 after losing in a playoff to Flanders.

“When you get older, you expect less of yourself than when you’re younger,” Grosdidier said. “I’m just going to play as well as I can, and whatever happens happens.”

Roberts believes his youth will serve him well in tomorrow’s final round.

“Hopefully, we’ll just shoot it out,” Roberts said. “Mike and Chris are two of the old dogs. I’ll go out and see if I can throw what I have at them.”