BRASELTON -- A number of area golfers played their way into contention in the first round of the Georgia Open on Thursday at The Legends at Chateau Elan in Braselton.
Cumming's Andrew Bai posted the best round among area golfers, carding an even-par 72 to finish tied for ninth after the first round -- three shots off the pace set by Forsyth's Jay McLuen, who fired a 69.
Alto's Ryan Chitwood finished two-over with a 74, as did Cumming's Gene Siller.
Gainesville's Rodger Hogan also toed for 32nd, posting a 75, while Flowery Branch's Steve Hooper was tied for 52nd with a 4-over 76.
Gainesville's Jeff Frasier was eight shots off the lead with a 77, tied with Suwanee's DeWitt Weaver III and Dawsonville's Jason Bruce. Meanwhile, Cumming's Chip Zimmerman and Shawn Koch each carded an 80, while Robert French also of Cumming shot an 81.
Buford's Ty Robinson fired an 83, while Dawsonville's Jordon Arnold carded an 83 and Murrayville's Don Williams shot an 85.
