FROM STAFF REPORTS

Spain Park High School rising senior Robby Prater fired a 2-under par 70 in the opening round of the American Junior Golf Association Junior tournament June 7 at Steelwood Country Club in Loxley and is in a four-way tie for the lead after day one.

Prater, who won the Alabama High School Athletic Association Class 6A individual championship in 2009, carded an even par 36 on the front nine before shaving off two strokes on the back nine with a 34 in the first round of the tournament.

Prater birdied his last two holes in the opening round.

“On No. 17, I hit the best 4-iron shot that I’ve ever hit, which put me about 15 feet from the hole. That is a narrow and tough green, and I was happy to make the putt,” Prater said. “I feel really great. I’ve never been leading an AJGA event, and they are the best tournaments in the country, so it is a good feeling.”

Chelsea High School rising senior Tyler Shope, who made the field after winning the TaylorMade/Adidas golf qualifying tournament June 5 at Steelwood with an even par 72, is currently tied for 20th in individual standings after firing a 3-over par 75 in the opening round.