San Diego Open : Lehman, Seeking First Win, Leads by a Stroke

EL CAJON —  Ted Lehman has been a professional golfer for a year and a half and has yet to win a tournament. His best finish was his in last outing, when he was second in the Kansas Open.

The fact that he has never been on top of a tournament is something that grates at him constantly.

“It’s a frustration of mine,” Lehman said. “I’ve had enough experience blowing tournaments and playing well in tournaments. I want to experience winning one. I want to start right here.”

In the opening day of the 56th annual $15,000 Stroh’s San Diego Open at Cottonwood Country Club, Lehman got off to a good start. He shot a five-under par 68 to take an early lead in the pro division of the three-day tournament. Scott Bentley, Doug Clarke, Rich Friedman, Mark Carey and defending champion Barry Mahlberg are all a stroke behind at 69. The top amateur score is Dirk Jones’ 70.

“I played real well,” Lehman said. “I was hitting the ball real well--as well as I can hit it. That part of my game was on. Better than normal.”

Lehman’s putting was much worse than normal. After the round was over, a player came into the snack bar and chided Lehman about three putts he had missed. The player told Lehman he’d be way out in front had he made them.

“I putted horribly on the front nine,” Lehman said. “I missed a number of putts within eight feet. I started to make putts on the back nine. It did bother me, but I started to make up for the missed putts on the back nine.”

Despite the misses, Lehman, a 25-year-old Brigham Young University graduate from Woodranch near Simi Valley, wasn’t about to complain about his standing.

The opening round of the tournament was played on the Ivanhoe course. Today’s play will convene at the Monte Vista course, which Lehman believes could be a factor in who’s leading after the second round.

“The par fours are shorter,” he said. “There’s less trouble--less length. I’ve never even played on the course before. I hope that won’t be a problem.”

A bigger problem might be that several players are just a stroke behind Lehman. However, Lehman is glad to be ahead, rather than chasing the leader.

“I’m an emotional player,” he said. “I don’t know if that’s good or bad. When I’m confident and up, I play my best golf. This (being ahead) means I’m excited--I’m confident.

“This round was very important. I have to just go full guns ahead. There are a number of guys who can pass me if I don’t keep the heat on.”