GLEN COVE, N.Y. (September 28, 2015) -- The morning wave of play is complete at the 9th MGA Mid-Amateur and a familiar name holds the early lead, as 2013 champion Michael Karger of Century fired a 4-under 66 in his opening round at Nassau Country Club.

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Karger recorded four birdies in his bogey-free round, which began with fog lingering in the air. "I started off really well, because I one-putted the first five holes," Karger reported following his round. "I made two birdies and then just really par-streaked it."

Karger birdied the 13th and 14th as he opened his round, then added birdies on Nos. 2 and 7 as he kept his card clean for the day en route to the relatively stress-free 66. "I just kept it together, putted well--I didn't have any stressful leaves," said Karger. "I was tapping in all my second putts when I missed, and i think that's one of the things you need to do."

His 66, which is the third-lowest round in tournament history, also came despite having just 13 clubs in the bag. While at the range yesterday, Karger allowed his girlfriend to use his pitching wedge, but forgot to put it back in his bag. "On about my third hole, I went to my bag to grab my pitching wedge and I looked, and it wasn't in there," he explained. "I had about five shots where I needed it today, and I hit a little nine-iron."

Trevor Randolph of Arcola, who finished as the runner-up to Karger in 2013, is just two strokes off the pace after his first round 68. Also starting off the 10th hole, Randolph bogeyed the 12th, but closed his opening nine with birdies on 14, 17 and 18 to make the turn in 2-under. He added bogey and a birdie on his final nine for his 68, but felt like he left a lot on the course.

"I stayed patient," Randolph said. "I really didn’t hit it that great. I hit my wedges close, but my driver was awful. I probably left four or five putts right on the lip, so it could have been a really good round."

Both players referenced their participation in the Nassau Invitational in addition to their affinity of the course. "

“I tend to play well out here, I really like the course," Randolph said. "With this event it’s just kind of keeping yourself in it the first round and then going for the push in the final nine of the 36."

"I don’t know what it is—I love this event," said Karger. "I love Mid-Amateur events. All these guys are friends of mine, so it’s great fun."

A trio of players came in at even-par, including Jim Dufficy of The Links at Union Vale, Nick Desai of Baltusrol and Peter Kozubal.

Play is underway for the afternoon wave. Following 18 holes of play, a cut will be made to the low 40 scores and ties, and anyone within five shots of the lead.