When the final group of golfers cleared the course shortly after 9:00p.m. the first round of the Tapemark Charity Pro-Am drew to a close. After bouts of thunderstorms and passing showers, all golfers completed play in one of the most challenging weather conditions in the event’s 39 year history. At the top of the professional leader board, stood Hastings professional, Chris Borgen at -5, one stroke ahead of two time winner, John Carlson of Wayzata Country Club.

The original starting times were scrapped after more than an hour long rain delay Friday morning. The event was converted to a shotgun start, with a morning group going off at 10:00a.m., and an afternoon session starting at approximately 4:00p.m. Borgen and his team took to a damp, but playable Southview Country Club course in the morning session and proceeded to charge to the front of the pack. His one bogey was easily offset by 6 birdies and good enough for a round of 66. The difference between Borgen and John Carlson, was one more bogey on Carlson’s card.

In the team event, the group led by Sundance professional Aaron McClay set the pace early going 21 under par. The groups “A” player is Ryan Steensland, member of the 2009 winning team. Steensland is playing under difficult circumstances, just five days removed from the passing of his 7 year old son who died of an a rare form of cancer on Sunday. His group, however, rallied and held the lead until completion of the afternoon session. Andy Paulson (University of Minnesota) and his group equaled McClay’s foursome, creating a tie after the first round.

The forecast calls for afternoon rain on Saturday, but after the soggy first round conditions, nothing should catch this group by surprise.