Day one pace setter Logan Harrell
(CGA Photo)

25-year-old Logan Harrell of nearby Huntersville harnessed the first round lead with a four-under 68 performance. "I played really well, kept it in the fairway on the front nine," said Harrell, the 2010 Carolinas Amateur champion. "On the back nine I drove it in the rough, with the greens firm and fast it was a battle coming in."

On both nines at River Run CC, Harrell mixed three birdies with a bogey. An 85-yard approach with a borrowed 56 degree wedge on the par-5 18th setup Harrell's sixth and final birdie Thursday. Harrell misplaced his wedge Wednesday night on the chipping green and with the good play from it today, plans to use the replacement for the remainder of the championship. "I can't wait for the next three days, I'm excited."

A group of three other local players are tied for second, one-stroke back. 17-year-old Lansdon Robbins of Davidson, Chad Frye, 45, of Davidson, and Brady Eckard, 33, of Conover each posted three-under-par 69s Thursday. Eckard had a bogey-free scorecard with three birdies, while Frye notched six birdies and Robbins tallied three birdies and an eagle.

Defending champion, 18-year-old Nicholas Lyerly of Salisbury, is T30 at two-over-par. Following Friday's second round, the field will be cut to the low 60 players and ties for the final 36 holes to be played over the weekend.

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