LOCUST VALLEY, N.Y. (July 31, 2014) - The first round of on-site 36-hole stroke play qualifying round at The Creek for the 112^th Met Amateur is complete and Pieter Hartong of Stanwich leads at the end of the first round. Hartong carded an even par round of 70, which is enough to hold a one shot lead heading into the second round.

One stroke behind Hartong is Dylan Newman of Hollow Brook, who fired a 1-over 71. Newman, a semifinalist at last year’s Met Amateur, echoed the comments of many of the players today in his post round interview. “I had a feeling it was going to play pretty hard today, the wind was picking up and the greens were really firm and fast,” Newman said. The Hochster Memorial winner carded three bogeys and two birdies in his round and despite not being thrilled with the way he played, he will take the 71 heading into his second round. “I’m feeling good actually,” said the Iona College grad. “I know where to pick up a few shots, so it should be a good afternoon.”

Four players shot 2-over 72s; including newly crowned Carter Cup champion Erick Alonso of Darlington. Also shooting 72s were Patrick Pierson of Minisceongo, John Jackopsic of MGA eClub – Westchester/Fairfield, and Matthew Lowe of Colonial Springs.

The top 16 players after the second round of play will advance to the match play portion of the tournament. Tee times in the afternoon were pushed back 10 minutes. Follow all of the live 9 and 18 hole scoring by clicking here.