UGA photo

Tim McKenney, a Florida Gator junior from Scottsdale AZ, was the last player added to the field and made the best of it with a 7-under-par 65 to join Atlanta’s Tim Schaetzel and Georgia junior Hudson Swafford in the lead.

Schaetzel got it as the first alternate and blistered his opening nine with a 7-under-par 29.

“It’s exciting to lead a tournament this important, but you don’t win on the first day," said Schaetzel.

McKenney caught fire after holing a 25-foot birdie putt on the eighth hole to launch a string of eight birdies in nine holes. Swafford holed two 30-foot putts to highlight a round he described as “a definite confidence builder.”

The surprising trio tied the Lake Nona competitive amateur course record and upstaged an elite, international field sprinkled with top-ranked amateurs.

Former Southern Am champ and Clemson ace Kyle Stanley opened with a 70 and USC All-American Rory Hie managed 69. Orlando local favorite Sam Saunders also opened with 69.

Florida State star Matt Savage, fresh from his North-South championship, had 70.

Following two lengthy rain delays, play was suspended with 80 players still on the course, who will have to complete their first round early Thursday.

The international field of 168 players will be cut to 66 players and ties after the second round. The 72-hole event concludes on Saturday.

--Courtesy SGA