Team Hurlbert leads following the opening round of the 2022 Golfweek Senior Challenge Cup

Former Golfweek player of the year Craig Hurlbert and his crew have taken the early advantage over Rusty Strawn’s team at the 2022 Golfweek Challenge Cup.

Led by a 2-under-par performance by senior division leader, Rich Buckner, Hurlbert’s team takes a 13-shot lead into Thursday’s second round. The biggest factor in growing the team’s lead? Half of the counting scores for Hurlbert’s team tallied up to even par. Buckner, Ken Kinkopf, Gary Durbin, Kevin VandenBerg and Victor Leoni were the biggest performers as they all carded rounds of 72 or better.

With over 20 players per team, 10 counting scores each day and 36 holes yet to play, a 13-shot lead can be erased in a matter of seconds. Knowing things change quickly when playing a team competition, Strawn is keeping his team in high spirits with a strict curfew of 3 a.m.

Much like the team portion, the individual competition is far from being decided.

Senior leader Rich Buckner holds a two-shot lead over a trio of players. His 2 under round of 69 was the low round of the day in all age divisions. Golfweek’s No. 2 ranked senior Kevin VandenBerg trails by three shots. Both captains are in the top 10 after one day of play as Hurlbert carded a 2-over 73, good for solo eighth. Strawn is hot on his tail at 9 over in a tie for ninth.

A member of Team Strawn leads the Super Senior division. Mike Arter used two birdies on the back nine to close out a strong 2 over 73. Two shots behind Arter, Steve Humphrey, Tim Vigotsky and Marc Fried are all giving chase.

Despite a back nine 40, Peter Van Ingen enjoys a four-stroke lead in the Legends division. Both Dale White and Sam Robinson will look to capitalize on what they hope to be a lack of momentum for Van Ingen as they begin their chase Thursday.

This year’s Yancy Ford Award winner, Joe Pavoni, holds the helm in the Super Legend division following an opening round of 76. His five-over-par effort is good enough for a three-shot lead over Jim Dubois.

Play continues Thursday at Jacaranda Golf Club in Plantation, Florida. Come Friday, four medalists will be crowned as well as a team champion. With nearly 50 of the world’s best senior amateur golfers in one place, only time will tell who will stake their claim as champion.