Aug. 4, 2005

DANIEL ISLAND, S.C. – Baker Elmore, who will begin classes at the University of South Carolina and join the golf team this fall, sits atop the leader board following the opening round of the 74th annual South Carolina Golf Association Amateur (SCGA) Championship on Thursday at Beresford Creek Course (7,073 yards, Par 72) at Daniel Island Club. Elmore, a native of Cheraw, S.C., fired an eight-under par 64, good for a two-shot lead.

Columbia native and rising sophomore Warren Thomas is just three strokes back of Elmore and in third place after shooting a 67 (-5).

Gamecocks All-American Mark Anderson, also a rising sophomore, redshirt freshman Patrick Cunning and incoming freshman Allen Koon all carded a 72 on the opening 18 holes.

Recent USC graduates Jake Thompson and Alex Hamilton are both competing in the event. Thompson is one-under after firing a 71. Hamilton, who won last year’s SCGA Amateur, shot a 72.

Play continues through Sunday, Aug. 7. You can follow the scores at http://www.scgolf.org/amateur/scoreboard.shtml.