Hawaii State Open: Grodzinsky strong on back nine to lead after first round

Jake Grodzinsky leads the Hawaii State Open after shooting a 4-under 68 in the opening round at Mauna Lani Resort on Friday.

Grodzinsky made six birdies and recorded one bogey on the South Course on a day when bogeys were not in short supply despite calm conditions. Grodzinsky had a tournament-high 32 on the back nine, which included four birdies.

Justin Ngan and Robby Ormand are one stroke back at 3-under, with a pack of nine close behind.

Garrett Okamura, Kenneth McCready, Ryan Heisey, Hunter Larson, Nainoa Calip, Andrew Chin and Spencer Dunaway are part of a group that includes 2012 champion Dean Wilson and last year’s low-amateur champion David Fink — now playing as a professional — at 2-under.

Defending champion and UH-Hilo alum Nick Mason had a tough day, recording two double-bogeys on the way to a 5-over 77.

Kevin Hayashi leads the seniors. The former Men’s Open champion (1999, 2000, ’01) birdied his first two holes and shot a 3-under 69.

Former U.S. Open champion Scott Simpson played in the same pairing as Hayashi and finished one shot back.

Casey Nakama, Dave Elchelberger and defending Senior champion Jeff Coston make up a group of three who all were even on the day and tied for third.

Allisen Corpuz leads the Women’s Open with a 1-under 71. Defending champion Mari Chun is tied for second with Mikado Nagatori at 3 over.

The field will be cut down by nearly 50 percent after Saturday’s second round heading into the last round Sunday.