Californians lead at Southwestern Amateur

MARANA, Ariz. (June 12, 2012) -- Californians dominated the leaderboard after the first round of the 97th Annual Southwestern Amateur Golf Tournament at the par 72, 7337 yard Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Dove Mountain in Marana, Arizona. Austin Smotherman from Loomis, California, and Alex Wagner from San Diego, California, are tied for the lead at 67 (-5) after carding identical 34s/33s on the outward and inward halves during their morning rounds. Four players are one stroke back at 68 (-4) including Mark Anguiano from Whittier, California, Jarred Bossio from Olympia, Washington, Shane Lebow from Santa Barbara, California and Mac McClung from Fremont, California. The starting field of 130 includes players from 33 states, Mexico and Australia. 46 players were at even par or better. Most of the low rounds were completed during the morning wave where conditions were better. Afternoon conditions produced light winds and temperatures approaching 105 F. The Cal State Fullerton team of Mark Anguiano and Scott Rubzin of Rancho, California are leading the Team Challenge Competition by three strokes over the team from Washington State University. Round 2 of the 72-hole event starts on Wednesday, June 13 at 7:00 am. After Round 2 the field will be cut to the low 60 scores and ties.