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PACIFIC GROVE, Calif. (Dec. 1, 2007)—It’s no surprise that Casey Boyns, founder of the amateurgolf.com Christmas Classic (it was first called Casey’s Christmas Classic), was atop the leaderboard after firing an opening-day 3-under-par 67 at Pacific Grove Golf Course.

Boyns, who just won his record fourth Northern California Player of the Year Award, is joined at 3-under by Cal freshman Stephen Hale. The talk of the day was some of the diabolical pin placements (particularly on No. 3, which bordered on unfair) which was the only way the 5700-yard course could defend par against such a strong field.

In the senior flight, Greg O’Malley bemoaned several missed birdie chances, but still opened up a two stroke lead over the field with a 1-under-71. Frank Abbott sits in second place.

Vincent Steele fired a net 66 to take firm control of the net flight.

***** amateurgolf.com reporter notes *****

-Kris Baxter wasted no time getting into a groove, acing his first hole of the day, the 103-yard 10th at Pacific Grove. “I haven’t played here in years,” he remarked after the round which saw him finish at 1-under 69.

-Conversely, Taylor Travis had a rough opening hole, carding a bogey after his tee shot traveled only 60 yards. He was able to recover, however, to post a 1-over-71.

-Brian Thompson eagled the 11th after driving the green on 303-yarder and holing a 10-foot putt

CHAMPIONSHIP FLIGHT