Mississippi State Am: 4-time champ Holman leads

PHILADELPHIA, Miss. (June 5, 2014) -- Four time State Amateur Champion, Clay Homan, took an early lead this morning with a 67. Homan posted four birdies, a bogey, and an eagle on seventeen to close out the first low round. Late in the day, Justin Elliott of Hattiesburg, tossed in a low 67 to tie up the lead. Elliott picked up speed on the second nine holes with five birdies.Homans experience at the top of the leaderboard, with four Amateur titles, certainly places him in a good position to hold onto his first round lead. Homan and Elliott are awarded the Mike Magee Memorial Trophy for their finish against the field as medalist for the opening round.2012 Mississippi Junior Amateur Champion, Braden Thornberry of Olive Branch, started hot with five birdies on his first seven holes. Thornberry cruised through sixteen and seventeen with birdies to stay low and hold his finish in third. With 152 players in the field, David Griffin sailed to the top of the senior competitors. Griffin posted a low, one under par in the opening round. There are many birdies and eagles out there on the course waiting to be claimed. Following thirty six holes of play the field will be cut to the low sixty and ties. The Azalea Course here at Dancing Rabbit is a true test of the most experienced golfers here in Mississippi.Many thanks to Director of Golf, Mark Powell and the staff of the Dancing Rabbit Golf Club and Pearl River Resort for their hospitality in welcoming the best of Mississippi. The course was well prepared for the championship and we thank superintendent, Mike Stupica, for his long hours in preparation. We look forward to crowninig a champion following play on Sunday and determinging who was able to stand the test of the Azalea course.