Mike Allen overcame a double bogey on the first hole to post 37-32=69 on Slick Rock Golf Course and capture the first round lead of the Horseshoe Bay Invitational. After turning the front nine in 37, Allen birdied 10-13 and narrowly missed his fifth straight birdie on 14 from 8 feet. He hit 16 greens in regulation and had 31 putts, including a 40 footer at 10 and a 23 footer at 17. He said he felt fortunate to post a good round after such a poor start.
Past champion Nicholas Cristea and Manny Bhakta are one shot behind at two under par 70. Chris Hartenstien, Robert Evans and Jack Cersosimo are two shots behind at 71. Peach Reynolds and Steve Patterson are at even par with Joe Beck III, Ben Carter and Jeff Miller at 73.
In the Senior Divison Aaron Billings and Wanye Smith shot 72 to tie for the lead with Gordon Butler, Jackie Mills and Tom Cochrane two back at 74. Cary Petri, Marshall Hinton and John Fellenz are at 75.
Play concludes tomorrow on Ram Rock Golf Course. Leaderboards and teel times are available at Austin Amateur Golf.
