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| Two-time Rex Hospital Open champion putts on 18th hole - PKS Consulting LLC |
As the morning groups at the Rex Hospital Open finish making their way around the course at TPC Wakefield Plantation in Raleigh, N.C., on Thursday, local product Chesson Hadley used his hometown discount to take the early lead, carding an 8-under par 63.
Hadley was closely followed by former two-time U.S. Open winner Lee Janzen whose 6-under score of 65 kept him close, using up his stored up shot-making abilities after being DQ’d back in June from a U.S. Open-qualifying round for wearing metal spikes.
Kent Jones equaled Janzen’s 65 as the board was littered with 50-plus players who shot under par to set the standard for what looks to be a very exciting week of PGA golf to take place in the Triangle.
As much as many were scoring low on Thursday, others struggled including two-time champion Kyle Thompson, walked off the course disappointed after carding an 8-over par 79, while 2009 champion Kevin Johnson finished at even par (71).
Round 1 - Rex Hospital Open Leaderboard
As afternoon groups begin to tee it up on a sunny day with temperatures in the low 80’s and a slight breeze, conditions are ideal for players and spectators alike, local golf fans should filter in en masse to take in local junior product, amateur Carter Jenkins, who will tee off at 2 p.m. on the 10th hole.
He shot an 8-under 63 at TPC to earn his shot at getting an exemption to tee it up against the pros, hoping to make the cut and improve on his first experience at the Rex when he fell below the cut line, scoring rounds of 76 and 80 accordingly.
Recent Rex Hospital Open news from the Raleigh Sports Examiner on Examiner.com:
