Jan. 3, 2008
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Vanderbilt sophomore golfer Hudson Johnson is tied for the first-day lead at the 82nd-annual New Year’s Invitational at the St. Petersburg Country Club.
Johnson, a native of Longview, Texas, shot a two-under 70 on Thursday. He was matched by only one other golfer, Florida’s Will Strickler. The pair lead the 116-man field with 54 holes to play through Sunday.
Johnson is one of four Commodores featured in the impressive field. Junior Jon Curran stands only two strokes behind the leaders after shooting an even-par 72. He stands in a 10-way tie for seventh place.
Vanderbilt seniors Billy Whalen (three-over 75) and John Ebert (10-over 82) are also competing in the four-day tournament.
Partly cloudy skies and mild temperatures are the forecast in St. Petersburg for Friday’s second round.
Commodore success is nothing new at the New Year’s Invitational. Former VU All-Americans Luke List and Brandt Snedeker — the 2007 PGA Tour Rookie of the Year — each won the event, in 2006 and 2004, respectively.