Davis leads Atlanta Open after first round at CGC

GAINESVILLE -- Mild temperatures, overcast conditions with an occasional afternoon shower highlighted the first round of the Yamaha Atlanta Open at the Chattahoochee Golf Club Monday.

Russ Davis, PGA Director of Instruction at the Cherokee Town & Country Club, made six birdies against two bogies and went on to fire a 4-under par 68 to pace the field.

There is a five-way tie for second place at 3-under par 69, including some of the finest players in the Georgia Section headed by three former player of the years; Stephen Keppler of Marietta Country Club, 2008 Yamaha Atlanta Open champion Matt Peterson of the University of Georgia Golf Course, and Jeff Hull of Watkinsville. Amateur Bob Royak of Duluth, the 2007 Yamaha Atlanta Open champion, also fired a three-under par 69 along with PGA head professional Jimmy Marston of Highland Country Club in LaGrange.

Defending champion Craig Stevens, PGA teaching professional at Brookstone Country Club in Acworth, is in a tie for seventh place. Stevens rebounded with a fine round of 2-under par 70 after being accessed a two-stroke penalty for being late to the 10th tee, which was his starting hole in the first round.

Eleven players fired a two-under par round of 70 headed by 2000 Yamaha Atlanta Open Champion and Champions Tour player James Mason of Dillard, 2003 Yamaha Atlanta Open champion Greg Lee of Chicopee Woods Golf Course in Gainesville, and Sonny Skinner of River Pointe Golf Course in Albany.