Radford University’s Nick Taliaferro, who grew up just minutes from Independence Golf Club, posted a 6-under-par 65 on Friday, July 15 to take a one-stroke lead after the first round of the State Open of Virginia, presented by CapTech.
Richmond’s Mark Lawrence Jr., the 2020 State Open champion and two-time VSGA Amateur champion, posted a 5-under 66 and enters Saturday’s second round in second. Glen Allen professional Chris O’Neill, playing in his first State Open since 2013, returned a 4-under 67. He’s tied for third with Richmond amateur Joey Jordan.
After Saturday’s second round, the field will be cut to the low 60 players and ties for Sunday’s third and final round.
Ross Funderburke
Cameron Yancey
Mark Lawrence Jr.
Mark Lawrence Jr. grabs his ball after holing out for eagle on 12.
Dustin Groves
Jay Woodson
Chris O'Neill
Grayson Wood hits a long putt on 15.
Elliott Wilson putts on 15
Rick Schuller
Here's 13-year-old Brandon Sipe, hitting driver off the deck on 17
Jacob Mast takes a tricky stance to hit from the bunker on 17.
John Rosenstock hits out of the fairway bunker on 13.
Blake Carter chips to 13 green
Mike Larkin putts on 13
Steve Delmar
Jack Montague
Justin Young
Troy Thorne
Evan Beck eyes his putting line on 16
Larkin Gross
David Stanford
Joey Faulconer, thrilled that he missed the fairway bunker on 13 for the first time
Marshall Tinsley
Justin Larue
Ryan Zylstra
Craig Gunn focuses before his tee shot on 14
Billy Hoffman
Carlo Pizzano
"Slim Jim" Delp
Joey Jordan, mid club twirl
Luke Thornton
Rupe Taylor
Scott Shingler checks his notes before hitting his approach on 2
Scott Shingler chips to 2 green
Sam Wallace and Josh Speight get a read on Speight's putt on 2
Ian McConnell tries to urge his putt forward on 2
Sam Jung
Carey Hodsden
Mehrbaan Singh loses his grip on his driver on 4 tee
