Filler Takes First-Round Lead at Taco Bell Natchez Classic
Natchez, Miss. — The opening round of the Taco Bell Natchez Classic concluded Wednesday at Beau Pré Country Club, marking the seventh consecutive year the ANNIKA Women’s All Pro Tour has competed at the venue.
Under favorable weather conditions, players took advantage of the scoring opportunities, with several rounds finishing under par. Leading the field is Maisie Filler of Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., who fired a 6-under-par round to take the early lead.
The University of Florida graduate recorded just one bogey on the day, highlighted by a strong front nine performance that included four birdies.
“I had a solid day of being able to give myself a lot of opportunities and playing smart. This golf course rewards smart play, so that was my goal going into this event,” said Filler. “I am really happy to be playing with more freedom and I’m just excited to be out here.”
Filler entered the week with solid early-season form, including a tie for third at the Lake Charles Regional Sports Authority Championship and a tie for 24th at last week’s event, the Coke Dr Pepper Open.
“I made some tweaks to my putting following the first two events, and I saw that improvement today. I plan to keep the same approach as I enter the rest of the week,” said Filler.
Madison Holmes of Paragould, Ark., and Katherine Schuster of the Outer Banks, N.C., sit two shots back at 4-under par.
The second round of the Taco Bell Natchez Classic begins Thursday at 8 a.m., as players look to position themselves inside the cut line and earn a share of the $55,000 purse.
Marissa McCardell
ANNIKA WAPT Media & Communications
