The 124th Iowa Amateur Championship at Beaver Hills Country Club is officially underway, and despite stifling afternoon temperatures, several players turned in impressive opening rounds.

Defending champion and Cedar Falls native Owen Sawyer (above) wasted little time establishing himself atop the leaderboard, carding a six-under-par 66 to begin his title defense. The Beaver Hills Country Club member highlighted his round with an eagle on the par-5 seventh hole, helping fuel a front-nine 32.

“It was nice to have the local support out here today,” Sawyer said with a smile. “A lot of the junior players I coach came out to watch me play, so that was pretty special.”

Close behind Sawyer is Iowa State standout and teammate Dianchao Wu (right) of Ames, who fired a five-under-par 67. Wu caught fire on the back nine, stringing together a series of birdies to move into contention.

“I really enjoyed the championship atmosphere here today,” Wu said. “It was good to roll in a few clutch putts as well.”

Joining Wu at five under is Rajan Roth of Wayland. Roth’s steady opening round featured just one bogey, offset by four birdies and an eagle.

“I had a hot start with an eagle on the second hole, and I managed my mistakes really well,” Roth said.

Nine players are tied at three under par, keeping the leaderboard tightly packed heading into the final 36 holes of the championship. With slightly cooler temperatures expected over the next two days, conditions should provide a welcome change as the battle for the Iowa Amateur title continues.

Complete Results