SEA ISLAND, Georgia (Feb. 5, 2010) -- The Jones Cup, the season's first "major" event in the Golfweek/amateurgolf.com Men's World Rankings is now underway at Ocean Forest Golf Club in Georgia.

The 54-hole stroke play tournament, founded in 2001, was originally meant to be a one-time preview event held by the host club of the 2001 Walker Cup. Former USGA Senior Champion and Ocean Forest Club member Jim Stahl was one of the event's founders, and he continues to be active as the tournament has moved from a single, then biennial, and now an annual competition with some of the world's best amateurs in the field.

Philip McLean of Scotland shot 3-under on the challenging 7321 yard seaside course on Friday to take the first round lead. The Scottish Elite Team member is currently ranked No. 165 in the World Rankings.

Kennesaw State golfer Matt Nagy, who played in the US Open at Bethpage in 2009, and Romain Wattel of the French National Team are two strokes back at 1-under 71. The average score in the elite 84 player field was 78, as heavy winds and rainshowers on the Rees Jones layout gave the players all they could handle.

For complete first round results, click on the link below.