Branton one off pace at GSGA Mid-Am

Chad Branton of Cartersville is one of only four players under par after the opening round of the 2015 Georgia State Golf Association Mid-Amateur Championship tournament at Marietta Country Club.

Branton fired a 1-under par 69 to tie for second place after one round. Christian Raynor of Kennesaw leads the field with an opening 2-under 68. Mike Combs of Roswell and Stan Gann, Jr. of Bonaire also shot 69s.

Entries were open to male amateur golfers who were a GSGA member, Georgia resident and age 25 or older as of May 15. A total of 407 players entered this year's championship. There are 28 exempt players competing this weekend. The remaining 116 spots were filled by the entrants who competed in one of six, 18-hole qualifiers that took place statewide in March and April.

Other first round local scores of interest include: Cres Dodd (T8, +1), Chris Hall (T38, +5), Scott Davenport (T58, +7), Jayce Stepp (T84, +9), Clay Heath (T84, +9), Winston Morris (T84, +9).

The 54-hole event continues Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17.