Grayson Murray leads Saguaro Amateur

MARICOPA, Ariz. (Jan. 3, 2013) -- Big names made a run to the top of the leaderboard in the first round of the first ever Saguaro Amateur at Southern Dunes Golf Club. Grayson Murray, an incoming golfer at Arizona State, who qualified for the 2013 U.S. Open at Merion, fired a seven-under 64 in the first round and takes the early lead. Murray countered just two bogeys with nine birdies, including five on the back nine. His red-hot finish keeps him one shot better than Trevor Simsby of the University of Washington. Simsby shot 6-under 65. Taylor Moore from the University of Arkansas is alone in third place at 5-under 66. A field loaded with some of the nation's top NCAA golfers hopes to catch Murray in Saturday's second of three rounds. The inaugural Saguaro Amateur runs through Sunday, Jan. 5 and includes 108 men's amateur golfers. The Saguaro Amateur was the idea of NCAA golf coaches Roy Edwards (Colorado) and Joe Jensen (Wyoming). “We were having trouble locating a tournament for our players in their off-season to compete and get the rust off,” Edwards said. “We figured we were not the only ones having this issue. Coach Jensen and I decided to start our own event and to provide a competitive avenue in a great environment.” Southern Dunes is playing at about 7,150 yards for the event. “Southern Dunes is a first-class property and will provide a fun and competitive test for our participants,” Edwards said. “The staff there is well-known for great hospitality and service and the golf course is always in championship condition. We are excited to partner with such a great facility for the talented players who will be coming from all over the United States.”