HURRICANE — PGA Tour professional Zac Blair, making a unique appearance at an off-tour event, posted a solid first-round score, one expected of Tour player.
But others were simply better Thursday at the opening round of the 54-hole Sand Hollow Open, presented by the Leavitt Group.
Colorado professionals Jim Knous and Zakariah Brown, as well as Phil Reedy from Las Vegas, Nevada, each posted 7-under 65 to top a crowded leaderboard.
“I’ve been playing professional for three years now. I heard from a friend that Sand Hollow was a really good tournament last year. So me and two others carpooled out here from Colorado,” Knous said. “We said, ‘Hey let’s go play.” We signed up just a week and a half ago.”
Knous birdied his final three holes to charge into the lead and post first at 7-under. He had just one bogey and played the par 5s at 4-under.
“I’m very happy with my round,” Knous said.
Brown recorded a spotless card, notching seven birdies and no bogeys.
“Today, I didn’t do anything crazy out there. It was just a solid round,” Brown said. “I’ve been working on my tempo, so I was really happy with my ball-striking.”
Reedy eagled the second hole and the 17th hole, had three birdies and also did not record a bogey.
Pete Stone posted a 6-under 66 and sits alone in second place.
Blair, who recently finished his rookie season on the PGA Tour, shot a 5-under 65. Nick Killpack, Edward Stewart, Jimmy Mee, Trevor Simsby, Gipper Finau, are also at 5-under. Thirteen players are within three shots of the lead.
“I played last year and had a lot of fun. Sand Hollow has always been really nice to me, I like it here. They called me up and asked if I could play, and I said sure,” Blair said.
First place earns a check of $15,000. After Friday’s second round the leaderboard will be cut to the low 30 scores for Saturday’s final round.
Sand Hollow Opening Round Results
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