Lupton Invitational: Kenny Cook/Robert Gerwin lead

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (May 23, 2014) -- Assistant Professional Sean Rice told AmateurGolf.com that the Honors Course was in true championship form for today's opening round of the Lupton Invitational. "The course played unbelievably today," said Rice. It presented a tremendous challenge to players - only three broke par." Those players, in the Mid-Am division, included Kenny Cook, (pictured, from Indiana), Robert Gerwin (Ohio) and Mike McCoy (Iowa). Cook and Gerwin are tied at 69, while McCoy, the 2013 U.S. Mid-Am champ, is 2 shots back at 71. A trio of players are tied at 73. SENIOR DIVISION Meanwhile Paul Simson of North Carolina is off to another hot start with a 41 point (5-under par gross) Stableford score. Simson, who could likely provide plenty of challenge if he was paired against the Mid-Ams, is seeking his 4th John T. Lupton Memorial Senior Title. Before you declare it a runaway, however, consider that Bob Stephens is only 2 points behind with a Stableford score of 39 (-2). SUPER SENIORS Ted Smith was the only player in the Super Senior division to break par. Ted recorded a 39 point (-3) stableford score today. His closest pursuer is Don Marsh who is four points back.