Clark fires 62 to take first-round lead in Oklahoma Open

Former Southern Methodist University golfer Christian Clark scorched the Oak Tree Country Club East Course with an 8-under 62 Thursday to take the first-round lead in the 112th Oklahoma Open.

Clark birdied five holes on the front nine to go out in 30 and added three more on the back nine in his bogey-free round that is three shots off the record 59 shot by Parker Sands of Edmond as a high school student in 2023.

Clark was one-shot clear of Chris Naegle of Wildwood, Mo., who shot a 7-under 63. Owen Stamper, the 2024 Oklahoma Open champion from Scottsdale, Ky., is another shot back after a 64 while four are tied with 65s, including low amateur Exequiel Rodriguez Barre, a graduate assistant coach at Oklahoma Christian along with former OC star Alejandro Armijo.

Also shooting 65 were former OSU golfer Brian Stark and Jeffery Zatorski of Houston.

PGA Tour golfer and Oak Tree National member Zach Bauchou of Edmond was one of five players to register a 4-under 66.

Reed Higgins, entering his senior season at Edmond North, was tied for second low amateur with a 3-under 67, also shot by Mike Hearne of Yukon. Amateur Emerson Majma of Edmond had a 2-under 68 and was tied for 19th.

The Oklahoma Open continues Friday and the field will be cut to the low 40 and ties following the completion of 36 holes. The final round is Saturday. The tournament has a total purse over $65,000 with $10,000 going to the winner.

Complete first round results and live scoring are here.