Westfall battles elements, fires soggy 69 to grab lead of LeBaron Hills Open Lakeville, MA-On a cold and soggy day at challenging LeBaron Hills Country Club, Todd Westfall carded a 3-under par 69 to seize a one shot lead in the opening round of the inaugural LeBaron Hills Open. Jesse Smith sits one shot back at 2-under par and a host of players are at 1-under par, including 2003 New England Open champion Rick Karbowksi and Brewster native Michael Carbone. “I battled through it and stayed dry,” said a pleased Westfall, who got off to a fast start with three birdies in his first four holes, then held on to card the lone sub 70 round of the day. Westfall was also pleased with the setup of the course, saying that it is “our best venue to this point.” Jesse Smith, meanwhile, rebounded nicely from last week’s disappointing final round of 79 in the Passaconaway Open to record the only bogey free round of the day. “I couldn’t wait to get back out here,” said a rejuvenated Smith, who admitted that he needs to “keep gaining experience.” “On a day like today, the goal is to just keep yourself in the tournament,” said Justin Goodhue, who accomplished that mini-goal and leads a six pack of players at 1-over par 73. In conditions like these, “you have to be really focused,” he added. In just its 3rd season, LeBaron Hills has already proven to be a formidable foe against the Cleveland Golf Tour as a mere nine golfers stand at par or better after day one. “We’re excited to have the tour here,” said club owner Frank Will. “All of the feedback from the membership has been positive.” Round two begins tomorrow at 7 am with the top 27 players and ties advancing to Thursday’s final round. |
