Sullivan Opens with a 77 at Wachovia

By John Appicello
WSLS10 Sports Anchor
Published: May 1, 2008

Chip Sullivan didn’t start the way he wanted--that much is for certain. Teeing off on the 10th at 2:10 on Thursday, the Ashley Plantation pro started bogey--double bogey---bogey to fall to four over par through three holes. But just when it looked like it would be a day long struggle, Chip reeled off four straight pars, then proceeded to birdie two of the toughest holes on the course. The par 3 17th, which is a 220 yard tester with water in play, and the 478 yard par 4 finishing hole, the 18th..that is lined with a creek the entire way. Chip made the turn at 2 over, but the front side brought only one birdie...and four bogey’s to leave the PGA Club Pro champ at 5 over for the day. Chip admitted afterwards it was not his best effort, but he was still happy to be trading shots with the PGA’s finest. 15 of the top 20 players in the world are in the field, including Phil Mickelson, who trails David Toms by a stroke for the lead. Toms carded a -5, Mickelson stands at -4. Sullivan tees it up again in round two beginning at 9am Friday.