Robertson, Branton lead with 63s at Brainerd

photo Matt Robertson competes in the Chattanooga men's metro, at Brainerd Golf Course in this July 13, 2014, file photo.
Arkansas-SEMO Live Blog

Matt Robertson works at Brainerd Golf Course.

Chad Branton had never seen the course before playing it Saturday in the first round of the Brainerd Invitational.

They each shot 9-under-par 63 and are tied for the lead of the 36-hole tournament.

"I'm just an amateur from Cartersville," said Branton, who regularly plays with defending champion Chris Hall. "Chris told me about the first hole and some of the tee shots and what clubs to hit and the creeks that you have to be careful with."

Branton made one bogey, one eagle and eight birdies in his first time on the course. Hall and two other competitors talked Branton into playing in this Chattanooga TPC series event.

"My wife [Deena] came up and we've made a mini-vacation," Branton said. "She's in town, shopping and seeing the city and waiting on me."

That's quite a contrast from Robertson, who clocked in after posting his 63 and won this year's Chattanooga Men's Metro by seven strokes on his "company" course.

Robertson shot 6 under on the par-5 holes, including eagles on Nos. 4 and 13.

"No really, I've played here twice since the Metro," Robertson said. "The course wasn't that much easier today. I just hit it a little closer and make a couple more putts.

"And two eagles in a round, you're not going to do that very often.

Branton and Robertson lead Taylor Lewis by three strokes.

"I shoot 66 and I don't have a chance," joked Lewis, who played in the final group of the day with Robertson. "I got to 4 under through six holes and Matt waved his towel like a surrender flag.

"I'm three back, but I'm not waving my flag."

Tom Baird leads the senior division after an even-par 72. One stroke back are Mitch Hufstetler, Mike Jenkins and David McKenna. Neil Spitalny and Frank Hollowell are two shots off the lead.

In the regular division, Joe Markham is in fourth after shooting a 67. A four-way tie for fifth at 68 includes Chris Schmidt, Alexander Riddle, Richard Keene and Logan Killen.

"I knew a 63 could be out there," Killen said. "I guess I have to make a lot of birdies tomorrow."

Contact David Uchiyama at duchiyama@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6484. Follow him at twitter.com/UchiyamaCTFP.

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