Joseph Deraney takes first round Lupton Invitational lead

OOLTEWAH, TN (May 27, 2016) - With a 3-under 69 Joseph Deraney has taken the first round lead at the Lupton Invitational. Deraney will begin tomorrow's second round at The Honors Course with a two-stroke lead over Patrick Christovich and Kenny Cook. Both players are 2-under after opening 70's. Deraney, the winner of the Timuquana Cup earlier this month is in search of his second Major of Amateur Golf title this year. He is also hoping to avenge last year's playoff lose to Charles Waddell in the Lupton Invitational. Speaking of the defending champion, Waddell is just three-strokes behind after opening with an even-par 72. Andrew Lawson is fifth after a 1-over 73, three players are tied for sixth at 2-over while seven players are 3-over and tied for ninth. The ninth place group includes Carlton Woods Invitational winner Colby Harwell. SENIOR DIVSION The Senior and Super Senior Division's are both being played in a stableford format. Jack Hall is presently leading the Senior Division with a first round score of 40. Defending champion Michael Mercier leads a group at 39 and tied for second. SUPER SENIOR DIVISION Ted Smith leads after the first round with 35 points while Gary Chazen is in second after a 34 point day. Four players are only two points back as they share third. 2016 winner Bob Kain put together an opening 32 point tally and is three points off the pace.