Gainey Lights Up Stonebridge

Monroe, NC- Former Big Break champion Tommy Gainey fired a 9-under par 63 to grab the first round lead at the Tarheel Tour’s Stonebridge Classic Wednesday.

The Bishopville, SC native stormed out of the gate with 10-birdies in his first 17-holes before a bogey at the reachable par-5 18th put a bit of a damper on an otherwise remarkable round. Gainey, the 2007 Oldfield Open champion, is looking to become only the second two-time winner on the Tarheel Tour this season. Matt Cannon turned the trick last week winning the Northstone Open after winning at Warrior Golf Club back in June. Cannon opened with a 3-under par 69 in his quest to win for a third time in 2007.

Playing in the same group with Cannon was the 2007 Spring Creek Classic champion, Roberto Castro. The rookie out of Georgia Tech continued his strong play since turning professional, making 9-birdies en route to a first round 64 to claim second place heading into the second round.

Four players are tied for third place at 7-under par. Among the gaggle is four time Tarheel Tour winner Frank Adams. The Laurinburg, NC native broke out of his recent slump with eight birdies and a lone bogey on the par-4 5th hole.

Overall, scoring was extremely low on the Richard Osborne signature design. 73-players were able to better par in the opening round with 44-players shooting in the sixties.

The second round will begin Thursday morning at 8:00. As always, spectators are welcome to watch the future stars of the PGA Tour free of charge.