Morris leads New Years Invitational

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (Jan. 9, 2014) -- Connecticut native and Ole Miss junior Blake Morris shot a red-hot 6-under 66 to take the first-round lead at the 2014 New Years Invitational at St. Petersburg Country Club. Morris, currently ranked No. 39 in the Golfweek/amateurgolf.com U.S. Player Rankings, he seems to like the layout as he finished tied for sixth at last year's event. Morris holds a one-shot lead over Adam Schenk of Indiana. The Purdue senior and 45th-ranked player in the U.S., most recently took third place at the amateurgolf.com San Diego County Amateur presented by Callaway but turned in top-15 performance at last year's NYI. Hans Reimers, who plays collegiately at Mercer University, rounds out the Top 3 after three rounds. Reimer's ranked No. 69 in our U.S. Rankings. A handful of talented players are within striking distance entering the second of four rounds in St. Petersburg. Florida junior and State Amateur winner Sam Horsfield leads a group of three players at 3-under 69 while defending champion Toni Hakula sits seven back at 2-over. In the Mid-Amateur division, Eddie Brescher and Matt Giovannelli share teh lead at 1-over 73. Tom Hyland paces the field in the Senior Division after an even-par 72. For a full rundown of scores, use the link below.