Steve Tarkon grabs one-shot lead in Lilac with opening-round 65; Derek Bayley one shot back

Gusty winds and speedy greens didn’t stop numerous pros from posting low scores Thursday in the first round of the Lilac City Invitational.

Steve Tarkon, from RedHawk Golf Course in Nampa, Idaho, holds the lead after a bogey-free, 7-under-par 65 at the Fairways. Former Washington State Cougar Derek Bayley and Kyle Mitsunaga, of Crane Creek Country Club in Boise, share second place, one stroke behind Tarkon.

Bayley, a Lakeland High product, was 9 under through 14 holes but took double bogey on No. 15 after his drive went out of bounds.

North Idaho College golf coach Russell Grove, the 2013 Lilac champion, Clarkston Country Club’s Michael Baldeck, Hayden’s Eddie Heinen and former Idaho Vandal Ryan Porch opened with 5-under 67s.

Vinnie Murphy, last year’s winner, and 2016 runner-up Jesse Schutte both shot 68. Seven players are at 3 under, including 2016 champ Derek Barron and 2015 champ Brian Miller.

The Fairways’ Aaron Byrd led all amateurs with a 3-under 69.

The 72-hole tournament concludes Sunday.