Three Bring The Mill To Her Knees

Clinton, SC – When Musgrove Mill Golf Club in Clinton, SC opened, rumor spread quickly that it was the most difficult course in the Carolinas, if not beyond. The penal nature of the holes left many players wondering where they could purchase more Titleists and whether golf was even enjoyable. As it turns out, the “monster” has a softer side that three Tarheel Tour players were able to exploit in Wednesday’s opening round of the inaugural Musgrove Mill Classic.

Ben Duncan, Justin Walters, and Johan Kok each carded competitive-course-record rounds of 66 in the first round and now share a one-shot lead over six players heading into Thursday’s second round.

Duncan, who has a membership at Musgrove Mill and played his college golf at nearby Clemson University, was the first of the threesome in the clubhouse with a flawless round that featured four birdies and an eagle at the par-5 16th. The 2005 Skybrook Open winner has played consistent on the Tarheel Tour this year, but has yet to record a single top-10 finish. For what it’s worth, one of Duncan’s more famous college teammates saw a good round on the horizon.

"I played with Ben last Sunday morning and he hit it extremely well," said PGA TOUR winner and former Clemson star Lucas Glover. "I had a feeling he was going to play good this week."

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South Africans Walters and Kok each went about their course records in different manners. Walters ripped off an astounding nine birdies on the Arnold Palmer-designed layout. After surviving three bogeys in his first 11 holes, the former NC State All-American birdied holes 12-16 en route to his 66 and a share of the lead.

Kok went about his round in much the same manner as Duncan. Six birdies against zero bogeys left him with a blemish-free card and a reputation for being able to "go low". Kok made a run at the title earlier this season at the Bermuda Run Open with a final-round 63 which left him three shots shy of eventual winner Scott Brown.

At the end of the day, the top-25 featured 15 players from the Carolinas, a sure sign of possible local knowledge and a willingness to realize patience on what should be a demanding venue.

The second round will begin at 8 AM on Thursday morning. The tournament is open to the public and free of charge.