Teen Tom Glissmeyer Shares Early First Round Lead At U.S. Amateur With 72

Mamaroneck, N.Y. - For Tom Glissmeyer of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Chris Nallen of Hackettstown, N.J., Monday's first round at the U.S. Amateur was a first step in overcoming nagging disappointment from a previous USGA championship. Both were satisfied after shooting 72 and 73 respectively to finish among the early leaders over the East and West courses and Winged Foot Golf Club, site of the 2006 U.S. Open.

Glissmeyer, 17, a 2003 U.S. Open qualifier, eased the hurt of an early exit at the recent U.S. Junior Amateur with his 2-over-par 72 on the East Course, one of four 72s in the morning wave.

Glissmeyer shared early low honors with David Denham, 21, of Tifton, Ga.; John Holmes, 22, of Campbellsville, Ky.; and Vincent Johnson, 18, of Portland, Ore.

Nallen, a member of the 2003 USA Walker Cup team who failed to advance to match play at last year's Amateur, was one of nine golfers who finished at 3-over-par 73, and his score came on the longer West Course.

"The golf course was playing really long," said the 24-year-old Nallen in recounting his round over the 7,266-yard layout in the steady rain. "My driver was backing up in the fairway. I wore out my 4- and 5-irons today. It's playing brutal."

Nallen has been pointing to this week since failing to advance to match play a year ago.

"I've worked pretty hard for this tournament," said Nallen, who is playing in his third Amateur. "I was pretty disappointed last year."

Another 156 players will complete their first round in the afternoon, with the weather turning a bit brighter.

Among those playing in the afternoon are reigning NCAA champion and U.S. Amateur Public Links champion Ryan Moore of Puyallup, Wash., and Spencer Levin of Elk Grove, Calif., the low amateur at the 2004 U.S. Open. Another making noise is J.J. Jakovic of Napa, Calif., the 2004 NCAA Division II champion, who is at 3-under-par 32 for his first nine holes.

Play continues Tuesday with the second round of stroke play for the 312 golfers before the field will be trimmed to the lowest 64 scorers who will advance to match play. The championship continues through Sunday's scheduled 36-hole final match.

The U.S. Amateur is one of 13 national championships conducted annually by the United States Golf Association, 10 of which are strictly for amateurs.