VALDOSTA —
Day 1 of the 51st annual Valdosta Open at the Valdosta Country Club is complete, and some golfers took advantage of perfect weather conditions to post low scores.
The tournament concludes today with the scramble event beginning at 9:30 a.m. and the stroke play event beginning at noon with shotgun start.
On Saturday, there were four flight’s for the two-man scramble event, which were pre-determined for the event based on the team’s handicaps.
The team of Doug Rayford and Travis Pate posted the lowest handicapped score of the day with a 63.5. Also in the first flight, Blake DeCesare and JD Wetherington shot a 64.4.
In the second flight, David Parker and Greg Talley lead with a 64, while Russ Collett and Joe Griffin are second at 64.9.
The third flight leaders are Daniel Knight and John Alday at 65.3, while Jeremy Davis and Justin Smothers sit with a first round score of 67.3. The fourth flight leaders are Robert Baum and Walter Altman at 65.2, while Ben Hogan and Tom Warren shot a 67.
In the Amateur Stroke Play event, John Gregory Joseph was the only player to shoot in the 60’s; he finished his first day with a 69. Nic Daughtary is in second with a 71, while Brian Herrell, Dawson Armstrong and Hiland Sanders are all tied for third after shooting an opening day 73.
Valwood All-State golfer Ajay Patel struggled, despite playing on his home course. Patel shot an opening day 83, although Chris Baker shot a first round score of 89. Overall, there are 19 golfers that are making up the Amateur stroke play event. There are currently six golfers within five strokes of the leader, heading into the final day.
The Valdosta Open began in 1961, and is one of the most respected golf tournaments in the area. The tournament help benefits the local Boys and Girls Club chapter.
The top placing individual of the stroke play event will receive the Valdosta Open Cup and a cash prize.
Local Sports
Valdosta Open heads to final day
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Sending the Blazers off
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All-Region teams announced
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Brooks County's Parrish in Rivals Top 100
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Summer camp information
VSU baseball camp coming soon
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Prince Automotive donates new baseball equipment
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Needmore holds final races before big Memorial Day weekend
Saturday night racing at Needmore Speedway saw some new faces in victory lane.
That wasn’t the case in the Late Model division, as Valdosta's Gene Ross drove to victory once again, but not without some close competition from Steven Roberts who came in second.
In the Limited Late Model class, it was another win for Cole Exum, with Gene Maine finishing second in the NAPA Auto Parts special. -
VSU softball wins South Region, headed to nationals
For the third time in four years, and second in a row, Valdosta State’s softball team will play in the national championship tournament.
The Blazers won their third South Region championship Saturday, beating Alabama-Huntsville 8-3 in game three of the best-of-three series at Steel’s Diamond at Blazer Park. - More Local Sports Headlines
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