Flagstaff, Ariz. (September 9, 2006) - With a round of 74 at the Meadow course, Chris Stutts of West Palm Beach leads a group of 14 Florida players at the USGA Mid-Amateur after the first round of the 36 hole qualifying. Only the top 64 will advance to match play. Stutts finished tied for 57th after the first day's play.

Ken Moody of Pronte Vedra Beach is the only other Florida player within striking distance of qualifying. Moody came in with a 75 on the Canyon course placing him T71st.

The Canyon course played tougher for the field. Scores there averaged 78.0, while the average on the Meadow Course was 76.5.

Eric Rustand, 37, of Tucson, Ariz., and Ryan Hybl, 25, of Winterville, Ga., each shot 67 to share the overall lead. One stroke back are defending champion Kevin Marsh, 33, of Las Vegas, Nev., and two-time USA Walker Cupper Trip Kuehne, 34, of Dallas, Texas.

Match play will commence on Monday at the Canyon Course.

Florida Scores Chris Stutts West Palm Beach 74 Meadow Course Ken Moody Ponte Vedra Beach 75 Canyon Course Kevin Hammer Boynton Beach 76 Canyon Course R J Nakashian Palm Beach Gardens 76 Canyon Course Robert Parker Sanford 77 Canyon Course Ken Palladino Dunedin 78 Canyon Course Richard Henken Gainesville 78 Canyon Course Will Sprague Jacksonville 79 Meadow Course Ken Stevenson Tallahassee 79 Canyon Course Jon Veneziano Mount Dora 81 Canyon Course Ryan Abbate Weston 81 Canyon Course D J Lewin Hollywood 82 Canyon Course Eddie Kenny Lake Worth 82 Canyon Course David Boesel Orlando 85 Meadow Course

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