Monroe Invitational: Sluman fires 65 to lead by one

By Jack Persons PITTSFORD, N.Y. (June 11, 2014) -- Major champion Jeff Sluman won the Monroe Invitational in 1981. His nephew, Trevor Sluman, must have learned a thing or two from him growing up, and it certainly showed today. Sluman, who plays at the University of Louisville, fired a five-under 65 in the first round of this year’s Monroe Invitational Championship, and leads by one. “I was playing really well,” Sluman said. “Could have been a couple shots better. I left a few out there.” Teeing off of 10, Sluman started birdie-par-eagle, then hit a solid shot to 15 feet on the 492-yard 14th, but had to take a penalty stroke after accidentally moving his ball. Unfazed, Sluman sunk the putt for par to stay at three-under. He birdied 18 to make the turn at four-under, and followed it up with another birdie on the 1st. He missed a couple of five-footers for par towards the end of the round, but birdied two of his last three to post 65. Sluman leads Garrett Rank of Canada, Shotaro Ban of Cal, Blake Biddle of Arkansas, and Corey Conners of Kent State, who all shot four-under 66. Other notables in contention include Palmer Cup selection Anthony Maccaglia, who is tied for sixth at two-under 68, Gavin Hall of Texas, who shot 69, and defending champion Nick Palladino of the University of Rochester, who posted a 70. How does Sluman plan on holding off all these strong players right on his heels? “Three more of those 65s.” Second round play begins tomorrow morning at 7:30.