Gutierrez Sets Pace in First Round of 104th Open Championship presented by Donnelly Industries
EDISON, N.J. - Derek Gutierrez, a rising sophomore at Rutgers University, fired a 4-under par 67 at Plainfield Country Club on Tuesday to own the early lead at the 104th New Jersey Open Championship presented by Donnelly Industries.
Gutierrez, of neighboring Plainfield West Nine was a finalist in the New Jersey Junior Championship at Forsgate Country Club in 2023. He collected six birdies on Tuesday, highlighted by his bogey free front nine.
“My patience today really helped,” Gutierrez explained. “I didn't try to go for too many pins and played simple golf. I let the putts drop and fortunately today they did."
He's playing in his first State Open after qualifying at Green Brook Country Club in June.
"I think Plainfield suits me pretty well,” Gutierrez added. “I made a few mistakes and got a little too cautious at times. These are tough greens, and it's a golf course that requires a lot of patience.”
The top-5 spots on the leaderboard are made up of amateurs. Troy Vannucci, Dylan Gallagher and Chris Dejohn are all tied at 3-under par 68.
Vannucci, the 2023 New Jersey State Golf Association Player of the Year turned in four birdies and had just one bogey on his scorecard.
Of the 10 former champions in the 2024 field, three-time champion Tyler Hall (2015, 2016, 2021) led the way on Tuesday, shooting a 2-under par 69. He was also the top finishing professional. Jim McGovern, head golf professional at White Beeches Golf & Country Club finished right behind Hall. The 59-year-old collected five birdies on the 6,897-yard layout.
After the completion of 36 holes on Wednesday, the field will be cut to the low 40 scorers plus ties for the final round.
Spectators who wish to attend must walk. Use of carts will not be permitted.
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