Gligic leads in Saskatoon

Saskatoon, SK – Michael Gligic fired a 7-under 65 on Thursday to take the first-round lead of the Dakota Dunes Casino Open at Dakota Dunes Golf Links.

Matt Hoffman carded a 6-under 66 and is alone in second, followed by last week's runner-up at the Syncrude Boreal Open, Matt Hill, Jose de Jesus Rodriguez, Trey Denton, Nathan Stamey and Derek Gillespie, who share third place at 5-under 67.

Gligic, who won the ATB Financial Classic two weeks ago, flew out of the gate on Thursday with a birdie at the first and an eagle at the par-5 second. He added another birdie at the next par-5, the seventh, to make the turn at 4- under par.

Gligic played almost as brilliantly at the outset of his second nine as he did at the start of round. He birdied 10 and 11 to get to 6-under par, then birdied the 14th to take the lead.

"It feels pretty good," said Gligic. "I was able to hit it close and make a few putts. My ball-striking was really good, other than two mis-clubs on nine and 18, but other than that, I played really well."

Jason Scrivener, Jesse Smith, Andy Matthews, Matt Johnston, Sejun Yoon and Clint Schiller are knotted in eighth place at 4-under 68.

NOTES: Defending champion Joe Panzeri shot an even-par 72 on Thursday...Cody Renfrew, who won last week's Syncrude Boreal Open and is the leading money winner this season on the Canadian Tour, managed a 1-over 73 in round one...Seung-su Han withdrew on Thursday.