Josh Speight tees off in the opening round of the 105th Maryland Open at Argyle Country Club
Silver Spring, Md. – The 105th Maryland Open got underway Monday, July 13, at Argyle Country Club, as 120 players began their pursuit of one of Maryland golf’s most prestigious titles. A total of 25 players finished the opening round under par, making way for a crowded leaderboard heading into Tuesday’s second round.
Jake Griffin of Argyle Country Club was among the first players to make his mark on the leaderboard. Playing in the first group of the day, the 2021 Maryland Open Champion used his familiarity with the host course to his advantage. Griffin opened with three birdies in his first five holes before carding a bogey on the 6th. He rebounded with a birdie on the 8th to make the turn at three-under-par.
Griffin carried his momentum onto the back nine, where he recorded two sets of consecutive birdies against just one bogey. He finished his round at six-under-par 65, taking sole possession of the early lead.
Josh Speight of The Club at Viniterra led the afternoon wave, opening his round with birdie-eagle-birdie. A bogey on the 5th slowed his momentum, but Speight added another birdie on the 7th to make the turn at four-under-par and remain within striking distance of Griffin.
Speight pulled even with Griffin after consecutive birdies on the 11th and 12th, but a bogey on the 13th quickly dropped him back to five-under-par. He responded with birdies on the 16th and 18th to take sole possession of the lead with a seven-under-par 64.
Tied for third, Clayton Gregory and Ryan Smith, both of Baltimore Country Club, kept pace with the leaders throughout the opening round.
Starting on the 10th, Gregory recorded three birdies against one bogey over his first nine holes to make the turn at two-under-par. He added a birdie on the 2nd before carding consecutive birdies on the 4th and 5th. Gregory played the remainder of his round bogey-free to close out a five-under-par 66 and earn a share of third place.
Smith also put together a clean second nine after recording two birdies and a bogey over his first nine holes. He added four birdies coming in to finish at five-under-par 66 and join Gregory in a tie for third.
Seven players finished tied for fifth and within three strokes of the lead, setting the stage for a tightly contested second round at Argyle Country Club.
Second-round action tees off Tuesday, July 14, at 7:30 a.m. Following the second round, the field will be cut to the low 40 players and ties for Wednesday’s championship round. For updates and further information regarding the tournament, please visit the Tournament Webpage.
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