Roger Tambellini grabs first round lead at the rain scooped Preferred Health Systems Wichita Open
Californian Roger Tambellini utilized the rain-soaked day at the Crestview Country Club Wichita, Kansas to grab the first round lead at the 2011 Preferred Health Systems Wichita Open on the Nationwide Tour.
Tambellini posted a first round score of seven-under, 64 to move one shot clear of the field at the 6,913, Par-71 course. Countryman Matt Davidson settled for the outright second place with his score of six-under and still has to complete his first round.
The play was suspended for four hours as heavy clouds engulfed the course and pounded it with no less than two inches of rain.
"In the end, it turned out all right. It took a long time to do but was well worth it," Tambellini said after his round. "My start took the pressure off. It was very tough this afternoon and I'm happy to get in with this round. Today, everything was clicking
like it needed to be and I hope it clicks the rest of the week."
Tambellini took a staggering nine hours to complete his round but is confident that he will be able to grab on to his lead followed by Davidson’s remaining first round holes. Davidson was also the leader in the first round last year and despite his staggering
seven-under so far, he still has to play last seven holes for his first round.
Starting from back nine, Davidson rolled in to bag consecutive birdies on his bogey-free round when, later in the evening, play was stopped due to poor visibility. Tambellini carded eight birdies but dropped one shot at par-four, sixth to settle for seven-under.
Australian Mathew Goggin, number one on the money list, finished his first round tied for third alongside three other players.
"I played really well. I hit the ball much better than I did last week and I feel encouraged," said Goggin.
He posted five-under, 66 to remain in contention with Johnson, Peter Leonard and B.J Staten. Two shots back is another set of eight players with their four-under scores in the first round with two of them still have to complete the first round.
Kyle Thompson, number six on the money list is also in contention for the seventh place. Thompson is also the winner of last week’s Rex Hospital Open and currently boosts of a strong form.
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