Two-time defending champion Brinson Paolini of Virginia Beach is off to a good start in his quest for an unprecedented third straight Virginia Amateur championship. Paolini shot a 4-under-par 68 Tuesday at Belle Haven in the first of two rounds of stroke-play qualifying in the 97th edition.
Paolini, who recently completed his freshman year at Duke, made seven birdies and three bogeys, tying Lanto Griffin (Blacksburg) for the best score on day one. Paolini defeated Griffin in the finals last year, winning seven of the final nine holes in a thrilling comeback. Griffin, a recent graduate of VCU, plans to turn pro this summer.
Locals who played well in the first round include Scott Shingler (Haymarket) and Brent Williams (Alexandria), who shot 69. Among those at 71 are Scott Marino (Fairfax), Ji Soo Park (Centreville), and Erik Ruce (Arlington). At 72 is Jim Nirish (Catlett), while among those shooting 73 were Ben Lasso (Falls Church) and Gary Barton (Alexandria).
The field of 120 will be cut to 32 after today’s second round. Match play begins with two rounds Thursday. The quarterfinals and semifinals are Friday. The 36-hole championship round is Saturday.
