Aug. 4, 2006

AIKEN, S.C. — Incoming freshman George Bryan IV leads a contingent of six University of South Carolina golfers following the first round of play in the 75th annual South Carolina Golf Association State Amateur, contested at Aiken’s Palmetto Golf Club (Par 70 – 6,713 yards). Competitors endured scorching temperatures and a 1 ½ hour rain delay during Thursday’s opening round.

Bryan, who hails from Chapin, fired an opening round 69 and sits in a tie for 10th. Redshirt sophomore Patrick Cunning (Aiken) and sophomore Baker Elmore (Cheraw) are both one stroke back of Bryan after shooting even par.

Junior Mark Anderson (Beaufort) carded an first round 74. Incoming freshman Patrick Rada (Anderson) fired a 75 and junior Warren Thomas (Columbia) shot 78.

The 142-player field will narrow to the lowest 70 scores and ties following Friday’s second round.