EAST PROVIDENCE — Robby Bruns, a pro at Shelter Harbor Golf Club in Charlestown, R.I., played an unbelievable round in his first ever New England PGA Championship, carding a 6-under par at Ledgemont Country Club in Seekonk to set the pace at the end of Round 1 in the 93rd playing of the event.
The 2013 NEPGA Championship is being contested over the Seekonk layout as well as Wannamoisett Country Club in city. The first two rounds, Aug. 19 and 20, are split between the two courses. The third and final round, Aug. 21, will be played at Wannamoisett’s revered Donald Ross design.
“I was a little nervous” said Bruns. “I just tried to stay calm and remain focused,”
Bruns got off to a great start, birdieing the first two holes of the day.
“I got off to a really good start, it gave me some momentum,” he said.
That momentum led Bruns to an eagle and five birdies in his last 11 holes, closing with a -4 (31) on the back nine and giving him an opening round score of 65 and a one stroke lead in the championship.
Other highlight rounds were that of last year’s runner up Jeff Seavey, of The Samoset Resort. Seavey fired a -5 (66) at Ledgemont and currently trails Bruns by 1 stroke.
Sitting just two strokes behind the leaders are North Kingstown’s John Rainone and Nashawtuc’s Brian Smith, who each shot opening rounds of -4 (68) at Ledgemont Country Club.
Defending NEPGA champion Ed Kirby and Wannamoisett head pro Tory Pare each carded -2-under (69) rounds and are currently T-7 with six other players.
On a day that saw 18 New England PGA Professionals go under par, only one of those sub par rounds was played on Wannamoisett. The 6,700 yard par 69 was playing fast and difficult on this blustery day, but Aaron Ungvarsky, PGA of Cohassett Golf Club was the only player out of 90-plus to break par. Despite the noteworthy feat, Ungvarsky’s -1 (68) left him in a tie for 14th overall in the championship, and six shots back of our leader.
Players will change courses for Tuesday’s second round. Ledgemont tee times can be found here…Wannamoisett here…Complete first round scoring can be found here…