Seven amateurs and four professionals lead the field.
The morning wave of 66 players at the West Virginia Open Championship took advantage of the cooler temperatures, before the afternoon wave of 65 played in 90-plus-degree weather.
Professional golfer Will Evans of Charleston tops the leader board with a nine under par 62 at the end of the first day of competition, tying the competitive course record. Rounding out the top ten, including ties, are:
- Christian Brand of Hurricane, (-6) 65;
- Isaiah Zeccheo of Beckley, (-5) 66;
- Joseph Kalaskey of South Charleston, (-5) 66;
- Alex Easthorn (p) of Ravenswood, (-4) 67;
- Chris William of Scott Depot, (-4) 67;
- Todd Duncan of Daniels, (-4) 67;
- Kenny Hess (p) of Parkersburg, (-3) 68;
- David Bradshaw (p) of Harpers Ferry, (-3) 68;
- Tanner Vest of Shady Spring, (-3) 68; and
- Noah Mullens of Milton, (-3) 68.
As the afternoon wave began at 12:45, the temperatures began to rise into the 90s. “This is a tough test of golf,” said WVGA Executive Director Chris Slack. “We’re excited that this state championship is being held back at Edgewood Country Club for the first time since 2017 and we are looking forward to the next two days of competitive golf among our state’s best professional and amateur golfers.”
The annual Shootout, sponsored for the first time by Dutch Miller Chevrolet, took place Tuesday afternoon on the front nine at Edgewood Country Club. Professional golfer David Bradshaw was victorious, winning his third consecutive WV Open Shootout, his sixth overall.
“Monday’s Shootout is the most fun event of the week and Tuesday’s pro-am event is our way of recognizing the folks who help make this happen with their time and sponsorships,” said Edgewood’s Head Golf Professional Craig Berner. “We’re excited to have the best professionals and amateurs in the state on the course this week. Kenny Eggeleston and his crew have been phenomenal. They have the greens rolling an 11 and the rest is as good as it can be in this heat.”
“We are pleased to serve as the presenting sponsor for the 91st West Virginia Open Championship,” Dr. Greg Rosencrance, president and CEO of WVU Medicine Thomas Hospitals said. “Part of our mission is to support the communities we serve, and we are thrilled to welcome this tournament to the Kanawha Valley this year. We wish all the players luck as they compete for the championship this week.”
Round two of the championship will begin Thursday morning at 8:00 with tee times off the front and back nine. At the conclusion of play, the field will be cut to the lowest 60 scores and ties who will advance to the final round on Friday.
The WV OPEN Championship has a rich 90-year history. Legendary professional golfer Sam Snead holds the record for the most WV OPEN victories at 17 between 1936 and 1973. Professional golfer David Bradshaw of Harpers Ferry has claimed the title 12 times from 2001 to 2021 and is playing in this year’s event. The defending champion is Ryan Bilby of Follansbee, also playing this week. The WV OPEN features the best amateur and professional golfers in West Virginia.
For today’s leaderboard, visit WV Open Leaderboard.
For more information please visit wvga.org.
