Grisard Takes Lead in First AJGA Event
Talley hits every fairway on way to three stroke lead

FRANKLIN, Tenn. — Bryan Grisard, of Hendersonville, Tenn., finished the first round of the AJGA Franklin Junior presented by Reliant Bank at the top of the Boys Division with a score of 3-under-par 69. Emma Talley of Princeton, Ky., scored an even-par 72 to take the lead in Girls Division.

The AJGA Franklin Junior presented by Reliant Bank is a 54-hole stroke play event conducted by the American Junior Golf Association at Westhaven Golf Club in Franklin, Tenn. The tournament field consists of 96 players from 17 states, Colombia and Argentina. The Boys Division is playing the par-72 course at 6,857 yards and the Girls Division is playing at 6,000 yards.

After two rain delays during his first AJGA event, Grisard was able to take the lead in the Boys Division by two strokes. He hit the ball to five feet on No. 3 to set himself up for an early eagle.

“I got a few bogeys after the rain delays,” Grisard said. “After those bogeys, I was able to get back on my game and hit in the fairways.”

Forrest Gamble of Birmingham, Ala., Michael Monroe of Franklin, Tenn., and Zack Jaworski of Alpharetta, Ga., are tied for second at 1-under-par 71. Tied for fifth are Conley Hurst of Little Rock, Ark., Spencer Ciesla of Naples, Fla., and Drake Duncan of Bowling Green, Ky., with an even-par 72.

Talley said it was hard to concentrate on her game because of the rain, but she was still able to hit every fairway. Although she felt her putting could be improved, she was happy that she was able to hit a total of 14 greens during the first round.

“Hole No. 7 was my favorite because I stuck the ball three feet with the 5-iron,” Talley said. “This was where I gained momentum, because I was 1-over before that.”

Janie Jackson of Huntsville, Ala. and Avery George of Cleveland, Tenn. tied for second, in the Girls Division, with a score of 3-over-par 75.

Titleist, the AJGA's National Sponsor, has been the catalyst and driving force behind the Association's success since 1989. Rolex, which is in its third decade of AJGA support, became the inaugural AJGA Premier Partner in 2004. In 2007, after 12 years of support, Polo Ralph Lauren became the AJGA's second Premier Partner.

AJGA alumni have risen to the top of amateur, collegiate and professional golf. Former AJGA juniors have compiled more than 500 victories on the PGA and LPGA Tours. AJGA alumni include Stewart Cink, Matt Kuchar, Hunter Mahan, Phil Mickelson, Tiger Woods, Paula Creamer, Cristie Kerr, Inbee Park and Morgan Pressel.

The second round of the AJGA Franklin Junior presented by Reliant Bank will be an 8 a.m. shotgun for both the Boys and Girls Divisions. For more information about the AJGA Franklin Junior presented by Reliant Bank, please contact the Tournament Headquarters at (678) 617-2425.