Playing in his first Carolinas Mid-Am, John Heffernan
holds a one shot lead after the first round
(CGA Photo)

Playing in the morning wave, Heffernan took advantage of the five par-5s on the par-72 layout, making birdie on four of them en route to a four- under 68. Like many mid-amateurs, Heffernan balances work, family and golf into his schedule. The Charlotte resident who works as a controller for Autobell Car Wash is happy for this chance to play competitive golf. "It's nice to play well under tournament pressure," the 39-year-old said with a smile. "It felt good to put together an 18-hole round and post a low score."

While Heffernan is seeking is first CGA win, three players with a collective total of eight CGA victories lurk one-shot back. Six of those titles belong to another Charlotte local, 60-year-old Jim Grainger. Unlike Heffernan, Grainger was unable to take advantage of the par-5s at Providence, playing those five holes at even-par.

Tied for second with Grainger at three-under are 2015 Carolinas Senior Amateur champion Pat Thompson, 58, of Asheville, N.C. and Thomas Todd, III, 30, of Laurens, S.C.

1995 Carolinas Mid-Amateur champion, 59- year-old Macon Moye of Pinehurst, N.C., is four shots back after an opening two-under 70. A double bogey on No. 17 kept Moye from sharing the 18- hole lead. Back-to-back North Carolina Mid-Amateur champion, Greg Earnhardt of Greensboro, N.C. and 43-year-old Charlotte resident Brett Boner are tied for fifth with Moye at two-under. Six other players are tied for eighth at one-under 71.

Following Saturday's second round, the field is cut to the low 60 scores and ties.

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