Petrovic holds two-stroke lead in South Dakota

Tim Petrovic carded a nine-under 63 Thursday to take a two-stroke lead after 18 holes at the $350,000 Nike Dakota Dunes Open. Five players are deadlocked at minus-seven.

Petrovic, whose best career finish was a tie for 15th at last week's Nike Wichita Open, took advantage of an early tee time and finished just two shots off the course record which was set in 1997 by Rocky Walcher.

"This is the best round of golf this kid has ever shot," said Petrovic. "I hit fairways and greens all day. I only missed three greens and those were all within three feet of the fringe."

The heat index at the Dakota Dunes Country Club reached well over 100 degrees in the afternoon, but was not a factor for Petrovic, who started in the morning.

Fran Quinn, who was one of five players to notch a seven-under 65 in the opening round, teed up in the afternoon and felt good about his score.

"This was the hottest day of golf I have ever played and I have played in Asia and South Africa. It was tough to hold your concentration."

Tied with Quinn at two-shots off the pace are: Richard Johnson, Bobby Wadkins, Paul Gow and Dennis Zinkon.

The shot of the day belonged to Brian Tennyson, who notched a double-eagle on the 502-yard, par-five 12th hole.

Defending champion John Maginnes is now on the PGA tour.

TSN