Round One of The Donna Andrews Invitational in the Books

Although some contend that climate issues are a significant concern, today in Lynchburg, no one would disagree as the golf caddies at Boonsboro Country Club left the course feeling the heat. However, with historical records showing highs of 103 degrees in 1936 and 100 degrees in 1945, and now, we can add the start of the 2024 Donna Andrews Invitational to that list of scorching days. Starting with...

First-round leader Molly Hardwick had five birdies and an eagle for the round, starting a "cool" six under par through ten holes and taking a two-shot lead into day two of The Donna Andrews Invitational. Her only blemish was a double bogey six on hole #11 after hitting one of Boonsboro's newly constructed Better Billy Bunkers. Regarding her fast start, Molly said, "Eagled number one, which was super fun and just a great way to start the round. And yeah, made some birdies on the front nine, and was just really feeling good out there." She added, "I really like this golf course, and I feel like yesterday in the practice round, I made a good game plan and played to my strengths and stuck to that today." Although she acknowledged that six under par through ten holes was not always a typical tournament start, she often gets off to a great start.

After a stellar high school career at a suburban Columbia, SC high school in Lexington, SC, Molly played two years at Ole Miss before transferring to the College of Charleston, both top 50 programs.

Carol Pyon is alone in second with a round of three under 69. The highly decorated Mercer Bears alum closed the back nine at 33 after an even-par front nine round.

Nicha Kanpai, Jessica Spicer, Arden Louchheim, and Katie Vu round out a group of five tied for third at -2. Lexanne Halama and Kendall Maynard finished at one under for the day. Defending champion Rebecca DiNunzio finished round one at even par, five shots off the lead, tied with four others.

The Senior Division leader is Kay Daniel. In some Louisiana circles, Kay is known for her passion for golf, rivaled only by her passion for teeth. Dr. Daniel not only has an incredibly solid track record in Louisiana amateur golf but is also a practicing orthodontist in Louisiana. Daniel posted six birdies on her round today.

One shot back are Suzi Spotleson and Patty Moore at one under.

To capture everything from today’s heated round, please check out MattPooch Media's record of the day: MattPooch Media.