OPELIKA, AL (May 4, 2017) - Vic Kyatt III of Birmingham and Andy McRae of Hoover fired a nine-under 63 to take a two stroke lead after the first round. Kyatt and McRae combined to card seven birdies and an eagle in their round.
Defending champions Steve Hudson of Birmingham and Robert Nelson of Fairhope is T31 after posting a three-over 75.
Despite some early rain and a period of windy conditions with gusts up to 40 mph, competitors caught a break in the weather for the most part considering the ominous forecast.
The average score in round one was 70.9 with 19 teams breaking par on the Ward Northrup-designed Saugahatchee layout.
The championship format is contested over 36-holes of four-ball stroke play qualifying to determine 16 sides for match play.
Vic Kyatt III and Andy McRae lead Alabama Four-Ball
After play on Friday the field will be trimmed to the top-16 teams for match play set to begin Saturday