George C. Thomas Invitational Round 1 Recap: Hale Fires 2-Under 68 to Lead at LACC

Stephen Hale of Bakersfield Country Club posted the only under-par round of the day, carding a 2-under 68 to take a three-shot lead after Round 1 of the George C. Thomas Invitational at Los Angeles Country Club. Hale, a former Cal Berkeley golfer and SCGA Mid-Amateur champion, was the only player to break par on a demanding day at LACC. Patrick Christovich of New Orleans Country Club and Jack Barber of La Jolla Country Club are tied for second at 1-over 71.

Will Davenport, the 2024 playoff runner-up looking to finish the job this year, sits in a tie for fourth at 2-over alongside Nick Geyer and Charlie Holland. Trip Kuehne and Christian Cavaliere are among a group of seven players at 3- and 4-over with two rounds to play. midamgolfHQ will be tracking the action all week from Los Angeles.