Trevor Metcalf picked up where he left off last year at the Simon Fraser Men's Open.
The 27-year-old from Vanderhoof shot an opening round 2-under 69 to take a one-stroke lead at Prince George Golf and Curling Club. Metcalf is the defending tournament champion.
Shaun Lees, the PGGCC head pro, and Keenan Hopson were right behind Metcalf's after shooting 70 on Friday. Koltin Chase, Mike Legg, and Brian Wells each carded even-par 71s, while Blair Scott, Mark Graysley, Andrew Balchin and James Pedersen were five strokes off the pace, each with 74s to round out the top 10.
Tee times for the field of 114 golfers start at 8 a.m. today and Sunday.
A shootout will follow today's second round with the top 10 golfers from Friday's round qualifying for the nine-hole event. At each hole, one golfer will be eliminated, leading to final showdown between the top two on No. 9 heading into the clubhouse.
"You get to showcase the better players and there will be a lot of people watching," said Lees. "A lot of guys don't get to see those guys play. It should be a lot of fun."
