Thompson's 65 leads at Cedar Rapids Open

MARION - Brad Benjamin yelled at his ball to “get in the hole” just before he watched the chip shot drop for a birdie on the par-3 eighth hole.

It was only the first round of the Greater Cedar Rapids Open at Hunters Ridge Golf Course, but the Roscoe, Ill., native has heard a little more noise than what he heard Friday after making the good shot.

Benjamin has participated in three PGA Tour tournaments, including two majors, since 2010.

“It's nice whenever you have a big crowd because when you hit a big shot or big putt you can get some momentum going,” Benjamin said.

His majors were the 2010 Masters and the 2011 U.S. Open. He missed the cut in the Masters, which motivated him to push himself harder for the U.S. Open and not “watch from the ropes,” he said.

Benjamin also missed the U.S. Open cut, and although he finished poorly he said he learned a great deal from the players he played with. He has played with PGA Tour members Ricky Fowler, Anthony Kim and Jim Furyk.

“You play with those guys and see what they do well, but in the end it's just golf,” Benjamin said. “I've kind of learned to hit it far enough to play, and my short game is usually my strength. You just got to realize it takes time.”

Benjamin admits playing in non-PGA tour events feels different, especially when there are not as many people watching.

“It really is a letdown when you go play an event like that and your next one there's no gallery and no hype,” he said.

Unfortunately for Benjamin, his experience didn't pay off with his score in the Cedar Rapids Open's opening round. He shot a 75 and is tied for 64th heading into today's second round.

Chris Thompson of Lawrence, Kan., leads the 120-golfer field after shooting a first-round 65. Close behind is West Branch native Dave Rummells, who shot a 66 for sole possession of second. Rummells also leads the senior professional division.

“I just didn't make any mistakes,” said Rummells, who lives in Kissimmee, Fla.

Scott Foster of Anthem, Ariz., Carlos Sainz Jr. of Elgin, Ill., Ryan Dillon of Phoenix and Garrett Jones of Rewey, Wisc.,are tied for third after rounds of 67.

Several players recorded scores of 69 Friday to land in a tie for 10th, including players such as 2009 champion Sean McCarty and Scot Glasford of Des Moines.

Defending champion Brock Mulder of Dallas shot a 79 in the opening round.

Play resumes Saturday at Hunters Ridge beginning with 7 a.m. tee times.