Andrew McCain takes first round lead at the Monroe Invitational

PITTSFORD, NY (June 8, 2016) -- Thanks to a first round 4-under 66, Andrew McCain has grabbed the lead after the opening day of play at the 2016 Monroe Invitational. McCain, a former University of Maryland golfer, will now be tasked with holding off a strong field that includes some of the best amateur players in the country. McCain, originally from Minnesota but now a Jacksonville, FL resident, got off to a strong start at Monroe Golf Club with two birdies on the front nine as he turned in 2-under 33. On the back nine McCain picked up three more birdies on holes 11, 13 and 16. The 2015 Minnesota Open winner's only bogey of the day came on No. 17 and as a result his homeward nine score was a front side matching 2-under 33. Heading into tomorrow's second round McCain will hold a one-stroke lead over UNC Wilmington's Thomas Eldridge who is presently in second place at 3-under. Thomas opened with a five birdie, two bogey first round 67. Six players are currently tied for third after 1-under 69's on Wednesday. Included in the group only three behind are USC's Sean Crocker and Duke's Jake Shuman. Local star Gavin Hall of Texas opened with a 1-over 71 and is tied for 13th place. Play at the Monroe Invitational is set to resume tomorrow morning with the first group teeing off at 7:30 a.m EST.