PITTSFORD, NY (July 24, 2024) – Jeffrey Zatorski (Texas) emerged from the pack late in the day on Wednesday with a first round score of 64 (-6) to lead the 83rd Monroe Invitational. In second place is Will King (Kansas) who launched a 66 (-4) behind five birdies and one bogey. There are four players tied for third place at -3 in Justin Matthews (University of North Carolina at Charlotte), Kaleb Wilson (West Virginia), Carter Loflin (Georgia) and Joseph Lloyd (Fresno State).
A total of 89 players are competing in the tournament.
The highlight of the day came from Juan Martîn Loureiro of Argentina who notched a hole-in-one on the par 3 16th hole. After the round, Loureiro said, “It was my first-ever hole in one, so I was very excited.” “I hit a 7-iron from 185-yards and it landed in front of the pin and rolled in.”
Loureiro, who is playing in his second Monroe Invitational, shot a 71 (-1) for the day. He praised the way the Monroe members treated the participants and the “perfect course conditions” for coming back to play for another year.
In all 30 players are under par for the tournament.
Round 1 Photos l Round 1 Scores
Zatorksi claimed the lead by putting together a bogey free round, combined with six birdies. After going 2-under par through the opening 9 holes, Zatorksi caught some fire on the back 9 to push to the front. Following a one hour rain delay, Zatorski birdied three-straight holes, beginning with the par-4 12th. Following the round, Zatorski said, “My driver was a little left and right today, but very manageable and I hit my short irons well today.”
The rising senior at Texas is playing at the Monroe for the second-straight year after placing 79th in 2023. When asked the difference between year 1 and year 2, Zatorksi said, “My game is completely different now.” “The putter is a lot better and I am hitting my driver better now – everything is a lot better. A year can make a big difference and I started working with a new coach.”
Parker Bell (Florida) headlines a pack of ten players who opened their Monroe Invitational with a 68 (-2). Bell is the 93rd-ranked amateur according to WAGR. In addition, Kai Komulainen (Tennessee), Vincente Marzilio (Texas Tech), Marcus Smith (Howard), Trevor Algya (Loyola Marymount), Cooper Smith (South Florida), William Duquette (Kansas), Cooper Claycomb (Louisville), Nicklaus Mason (Kansas State), and Kian Rose (Clemson) round on the players at -2.
The remaining players under par at -1 are tied for 17th place.
Second round action for the 83rd Monroe Invitational will kick off at 7 a.m. on Thursday. Admission is free to the public.