Aug. 19, 2008

PINEHURST, N.C. – Youth led the way in the first round of the U.S. Amateur Championship at Pinehurst Resort and Country Club Monday as South Carolina incoming freshman Wesley Bryan, 18, and 19-year-old Andrew Putnam finished the first day of stroke play tied for the tournament lead at 67 (-3). Bryan’s round came on the famed No. 2 course, while Putnam played his first round on the No. 4 course. Six others enter Tuesday’s second round just one shot behind.

Bryan was in scramble mode through much of the round, hitting just four fairways off the tee, but battled to reach 13 of the 18 greens in regulation.

Mark Anderson, who closed his Gamecock career in 2007-08, is in 36th place after shooting 71 (+1) on the No. 4 course, and senior Baker Elmore turned in a first-round 72 (+2) to sit in a tie for 63rd place. Junior Paul Woodbury and Wesley’s older brother, George Bryan IV, also a junior, turned in matching 73 (+3) to hold a share of 90th place. Senior Mark Silvers III is one shot back at 74 (+4).

Wesley Bryan is set to tee off at 1:35 p.m. Tuesday on the No. 4 course, looking to defend his lead heading into Wednesday’s 64-player field for match play. The tee times for the other Gamecocks in the field are listed below.

Mark Anderson – 8:10 a.m. – No. 2 course
George Bryan IV – 1:45 p.m. – No. 2 course
Baker Elmore – 7:30 a.m. – No. 2 course
Mark Silvers III – 12:45 p.m. – No. 2 course
Paul Woodbury – 7:30 a.m. – No. 4 course