Geyer Shoots 67 To Grab Early Lead At U.S. Amateur Public Links

Norman, Okla. – Nick Geyer, 21, of Albuquerque, N.M., took advantage of an early starting time on Monday to shoot a 4-under-par 67 in the first round of the 2009 U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship at the Jimmie Austin/OU Golf Club, in Norman, Okla. 

He currently leads by one shot over Jace Long, 19, of Dixon, Mo., who shot a 3-under-par 68 at the 7,289-yard, par-71 course, with half the field yet to finish the first round, as temperatures for the afternoon soar toward a high forecast of 106 degrees.

“It’s hot, but there’s a lot of people not playing golf today, especially competitively, so I’m just happy to be out here,” said Geyer. “These are our majors, so whether you hit it good or bad, you know, I couldn’t help but smile.”

Geyer, a recent graduate of the University of New Mexico who was raised in Southern California, had five birdies and a bogey in his round, highlighted by a 6-iron he hit to 2 feet on the 434-yard, par-4 seventh hole.  After bogeying the sixth hole with a three-putt, Geyer rallied with his birdie at seven, which began a stretch where he birdied four out of five holes.

“To have a kick-in birdie really probably jumpstarted the next few holes,” said Geyer.

After reaching four under par on the 12th hole, Geyer managed to par the remaining six holes, topped off by sinking a 4-foot putt for par on the 18th hole to finish at 67. 

With many spectators and volunteers seeking a respite from the extremely hot conditions, and greens on the golf course being syringed regularly to protect against the high temperatures, Geyer offered a player’s perspective on the heat.

 “I don’t know that the heat is as big of a factor as maybe the wind,” said Geyer.  “Us college guys, we play in miserable weather all year, whether it be really hot when it gets to the postseason or it be rainy, windy, and cold earlier in the season.”

The first round of stroke play qualifying is scheduled to finish on Monday, with the second round scheduled for Tuesday.  The low 64 scorers will advance to the match play portion of the championship, which is scheduled to begin on Wednesday.

The U.S. Amateur Public Links, for bona fide public course players, is one of 13 national championships conducted annually by the United States Golf Association, 10 of which are strictly for amateurs.

Story written by David Normoyle, USGA.  Contact him with questions or comments at dnormoyle@usga.org.