BEDFORD – Peggy Taylor posted a superb round of 73 to take the first-round lead in the Bedford Women’s City Golf Tournament at Otis Park on Saturday.
Taylor had two birdies (the par-3 third and the par-4 ninth) on the front nine, then added a birdie on the par-3 10th to take a four-shot advantage over Kori Johnston, the defending champion who is chasing her fifth title. Brooklynn Cromwell posted a 78, and high school standout Kinleigh Root stayed within striking range with a 79.
In the Senior City, former Men’s City champion Craig Reiner claimed the first-round lead with an even-par 72 that included a sizzling 3-under 32 on the back nine. He made the turn in 40 (with a birdie on the par-5 fifth hole), then caught fire with birdies on the 11th, 12th and 14th holes. He capped the round with an eagle on the par-5 17th.
Defending champion J.T. Bellush settled one shot back with a 73 that featured a 2-under tour of the back nine (birdies on 16 and 17), while John Dufore carded a 74 that was highlighted by a 1-under 36 on the front (birdies on 5 and 9).
Root took the lead in the Girls Junior City with her 79, while Bedford North Lawrence teammate Ellie Horton posted an 85.
In the Boys Junior City, Evan Tillett fired an even-par 72 (including a 3-under 34 on the front with two birdies and an eagle) to take a commanding 14-shot lead into the final round.
