Winsor, Simmons Shoot 8-Under to Lead Four-Ball Championship

PORTSMOUTH – Nate Winsor and Kolby Simmons took advantage of near-perfect conditions during Round 1 of the 77th Four-Ball Championship Tuesday at Montaup Country Club. 

The two-man team from Crestwood CC carded a 63 (8-under), two strokes better than the teams of Aidan O'Donovan/Randy Millen and Gregory Sampson/Nicholas Gernt (6-under). 

"We just made a lot of putts," Winsor said. "My game hasn't been great, so I didn't expect much and I just hit it around. It was good to have a partner back you up. The greens are rolling well here and a lot [of putts] went in." 

"We started off playing good Four-Ball -- we were both on the greens," added Simmons. "We had momentum and then a nice string of birdies (six in a row) coming in and we were feeding off each other. It was great weather. The golf course is in great shape, too. It worked out well." 

The championship continues with Round 2 Wednesday at Montaup CC and Green Valley CC. 

The brother-in-law team of Bobby Leopold and Tyler Cooke, of Wannamoisett CC, have won this championship five times and finished Round 1 at 3-under. 

Kyle Hoffman, of Pawtucket CC, recorded his second career ace from 178 yards on the 12th hole at Montaup CC. He hit a 5-hybrid.