The Woodlands, Texas - Preston Summerhays of Scottsdale, Arizona, and Deven Patel of Johns Creek, Georgia, shot a 4-under-par 68 to tie for the lead after the first round of the AJGA Simplify Boys Championship at Carlton Woods.
The AJGA Simplify Boys Championship at Carlton Woods is one of the longest-running events on the AJGA schedule. Originally played in 1987, the tournament settled at The Club at Carlton Woods in 2009. The event has a storied past with champions such as Jim Furyk, Rickie Fowler and Jordan Spieth.
Due to expected weather on Monday, players finished their first round and immediately began their second round on Saturday. Summerhays battled temperatures in the high 30s and strong winds to card five birdies and a one-stroke lead as players began their second round. The 2021 grad avoided bogeys on the back nine and put together three birdies to complete the strong start.
Patel escaped the tough conditions without a bogey and poured in four birdies to claim his share of the lead. The 2021 grad had three birdies on the front nine and ended his round with seven straight birdies.
Sitting one-stroke back of Summerhays and Patel at 3-under-par 69 are Jackson Van Paris of Pinehurst, North Carolina, and Thomas Morrison of Dallas, Texas. Van Paris was the 2019 champion of this event and looks to become the first repeat champion in the event's long history. Morrison is looking for his first Invitational victory.