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Cedartown's Ryan Zebeau has already proven that he is one of the best golfers around in Greater Rome.

After the opening round of the 85th annual Georgia Amateur Championship on Thursday at Coosa Country Club, he is making a name for himself in the Peach State.

A rising sophomore at the University of Alabama at Birmingha where he plays for the UAB Blazers, Zebeau found himself in sole possesion of the State Am lead when he shot a course record 9-under 61.

The low round bettered the previous Coosa C.C. record of 62 set by six-time amateur champion Allen Doyle, who now plays on the Champions Tour and win his second-straight U.S. Senior Open last week.

David Noll Jr. of Dalton is alone in second place at 5-under 65, while Bill Brown of Dublin and Jay Moseley of Bainbridge are tied for third place at 66.

Calhoun's Mike Nance leads Greater Rome's golfers competing in the event, shooting a 1-under 69 and held a share of the early clubhourse. William Hamilton III, also of Calhoun, had an even-par 70.

Rounding out the local players playing in the tournament are Patrick McShane (73), Brandon Stengel (73), Eric Blaylock (75), Steve Davis (76), Wade Hoyt IV (76), Chris Wilson (78, Tim Kim (80)and Zan Banks (83).

The second round of the 72-hole tourney begins Friday at 8 a.m., with the field being cut to the low 70 and ties after the second round