Easily the most popular player at the tournament was Patrick Cantlay, who played in front of a gallery of more than 75 people during Round 1. The rising UCLA sophomore didn’t disappoint, posting a two-under 69, good enough for a tie for third place. His UCLA teammate, however, finds himself alone in second place. Rising UCLA senior Alex Shi Yup Kim fired a three-under par 68, just one-stroke off the lead.

“I didn’t hit it very well, but I made a lot of putts out there,” said Kim. “The greens are really good, and I’ve been able to read them well. I was struggling coming in, so I was happy with my round.”

A slew of players find themselves tied with Cantlay, who was this year’s low amateur at the U.S. Open, for third. Ben Doyle, winner of this year’s SCGA/CIF High School Championship and one of the youngest players in the competition, fired a two-under par 69. Also shooting a 69 was Steve Lim of Los Angeles, Colin Featherstone of San Diego, Alex Angard and Jeff Wibawa of Encino, Jordan McRobie of Costa Mesa and 2006 SCGA Mid-Amateur Champion Robert Funk, 48.

“The course is good for me, nice and short, which brings an old guy into it,” said Funk after his round. “It was one of those rounds where I had a lot of pars going on early, but on the back I made a lot of birdies and an eagle.” When asked if he would make any changes for Round 2, Funk replied, “there’s one hole I’m going to hit driver on, and that is No. 8.”

Round 2 action began at 1 p.m.