James Clark Leads Southeastern Amateur After Opening 63

COLUMBUS, GA (June 14, 2017) - Hometown favorite James Clark of Columbus opened up a two shot lead in the 88th Southeastern Amateur after a first-round 63 at the Country Club of Columbus. The Georgia Tech golfer registered eight birdies against one bogey and narrowly missed the Southeastern Amateur tournament record by one shot. His scorecard was a thing of beauty--nine 3s and nine 4s--highlighted by three straight birdies starting at the eleventh. University of Alabama golfer Jonathan Hardee, along with Patrick Moriarty of Appalachian State University, sit tied for second at 65. Moriarty's round was bogey-free. Dillon Woods of Jacksonville, FL sits alone in fourth after a four-under 66. Five golfers are tied for fifth at three under. In all, 22 players broke par at the par-70 course. Mark David Johnson of St. Simons Island, GA, who was the medalist in the pre-tournament qualifier, shot an even-par 70. Four-time champion Wright Waddell hit a ceremonial tee shot to open the tournament. The tournament continues on Thursday morning. After Friday's play the field will be cut to the low 60 and ties for the final round on Saturday.