By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Jason Buessing led a strong field with a 66 Friday at Shawnee Golf Club in the opening round of the 54-hole Topeka Golf Association City Stroke Play Tournament.
Buessing chalked up seven birdies to go with two bogeys en route to a 5-under-par round, which included a 32 on the back nine.
First-time TGA participant Dan Key was one shot back of Buessing with a 4-under 67. Key only had one bogey to go with five birdies.
Former Topeka West standout Addison Alonzo, the 2022 City Match Play champion, sits in third after the first round with a 68, combining two bogeys with four birdies while carding a consistent 34 on each nine.
Adam Head, the 2021 TGA player of the year, will begin Saturday's second round in fourth place after a 69, followed by Blake Buessing, Alex Valdivia, and Bryce Cowan, who all shot opening-round 70s.
The championship will resume Saturday at 10 a.m. at Cypress Ridge.
The final round will be Sunday at Lake Shawnee with a noon starting time.
TGA STROKE PLAY TOURNAMENT
First round results
1. Jason Buessing - 66
2. Dan Key - 67
3. Addison Alonzo - 68
4. Adam Head - 69
5. (tie) Blake Buessing - 70
5. (tie) Alex Valdivia - 70
5. (tie) Bryce Cowan - 70
8. Brian Walker - 71
9. (tie) Lane Workman - 72
9. (tie) Max Stuckey-Halley - 72
9. (tie) Jeremiah Nelson - 72