Brian Komline

Komline carded three birdies and just one bogey on the difficult par-3 fourth hole. The Tillinghast design flexed its muscle for the morning wave, and cold and windy conditions made it even tougher. But the weather didn’t affect Komline, who shot the only under par round in the morning.

“I love playing in the cold weather,” the two-time NJSGA Open Champion said. “I’d rather it be like this than 100 degrees. The ball doesn’t fly as far and you just got to be careful with your irons, other than that I really enjoy this weather.”

Maneuvering around these undulating greens was key today for Komline, who said keeping his ball under the hole all day led to a great round.

“I only had a couple putts from above the hole, that’s key when your playing Mountain Ridge,” he said. “You really have to be precise with your putting.’

A few players stand just a few shots back of Komline, including three-time NJSGA Senior Amateur Champion Al Small of Fairmount. Small carded a 1-over 72 with two birdies and three bogeys. Matching his 1-over 72 was Cory Crelan of MGA eClub – Westchester/Fairfield. Rob Johnson of Osiris is four shots back of the leader after a 2-over 73.

Defending Champion Michael Karger of Century is five shots behind after a 3-over 74.