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.
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Related Photos
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John Lastinger, of Valdosta, putts the ball during the opening day of the 51st annual Valdosta Open at the Valdosta Country Club on Saturday. The tournament concludes today. Ed Hooper | The Valdosta Daily Times
Discussion
Valdosta Open heads to final day
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