Walnut Creek Championship

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on May 7, 2009 1:46 PM

• Print
• Email

Courtesy eGolf Tour

Goldsboro native Andy Crain is tied for 57th overall after opening-round play Wednesday during the Walnut Creek Championship on the eGolf Professional Tour.

Crain is among a group of golfers who completed the picturesque and challenging Walnut Creek CC course at 1-under par 71. David Robinson and Scott Harrington shared the lead at 7-under 64 heading into this morning's second round.

The field will be cut to the lowest 60 players and ties after 36 holes today.

Robinson, the tour's 2008 leading money winner, recorded three birdies on the front nine and four birdies on the backside.

"I kept the ball in play pretty much all day. I made a bogey on my third hole, but it was one of only two greens I missed today (in regulation)," said Robinson. "I hit it really well, but the greens are absolutely perfect and I made a few putts."

"Absolutely perfect" is likely an understatement on greens that players are referring to as some of the best they've seen in years.

"If you miss a putt out here, it's your fault," said veteran tour player Doug Garwood of the putting surfaces on the Ellis Maples-designed gem.

Harrington birdied the opening hole, but recorded five consecutive pars. He concluded the front nine with two birdies on the final three holes and followed that with birdies on Nos. 10 and 11. Despite a bogey, Harrison logged birdies on three of the final four holes.

"I had to hit good iron shots and was fortunate to have four kick-in birdie putts," said Harrington. "I was happy with the way I played, especially with nice putts on those last two holes."

A group of eight players, headlined by leading money winner Tom Gillis and 2008 PGA Tour player Travis Perkins, sits two shots behind the leaders after rounds of 5-under 66.

Weather permitting, second-round action began this morning. The four-day tournament is open to the public and admission is free. The 72-hole event concludes Saturday.