Mitchell builds 3-shot lead in 1st round of Georgia PubLinks

CONYERS, Ga. (Sept. 8, 2018) – After one round at the Georgia Public Links Championship, Billy Mitchell is out to a three-shot lead. Mitchell, of Roswell, Ga., is looking to win this event for the first time since back-to-back victories in 2010 and 2011.

Mitchell went 2 under in his first three holes before a bogey at No. 4. There was another bogey at No. 13, then Mitchell birdied Nos. 15 and 18 to get to 2-under 70 at Cherokee Run Golf Club. He is three shots ahead of Tra Dykes of Columbus, Ga.

Dykes had a rough front nine, going 3 over, but birdied Nos. 16 and 17 to stay within striking distance of Mitchell entering Sunday’s round.

Stephen Hall of Covington, Ga., Edward Hollis of Loganville, Ga., and Chris Waters of Atlanta are tied for third at 2 over. Waters won this title in 2016.

Defending champion Stan Gann was 2 under through nine holes, but withdrew before finishing the first round.