The first round didn't pass without a little controversy caused by the UGA's new pace-of-play policy, which requires players to complete each nine and the 18 holes within a specified time. Several players, worried they were going to miss the time allotment and get penalized, played out of turn and finished holes in a sprint. What most didn't understand, however, was that the UGA takes into account factors that can legitimately delay play and that all penalties can be appealed. Even though many were told they were behind time, only four players were actually penalized.

The confusion might have cost Jensen a share of the lead. Jensen was 4-under par on the 18th tee when his group realized it had only 10 minutes to complete the hole. On the final green, facing a 10-foot birdie putt, Jensen asked an official how much time he had remaining, and the official put up one finger. Hurrying to beat that time, Jensen four putted for a double bogey. Afterwards, Jensen and his playing partners were not penalized.

"It was just a really bad mistake on my part," Jensen said. "I should have taken my time and knocked the ball in the hole and dealt with it afterwards."

Family responsibility also came into play Wednesday. Southern Utah golfer Eric Nilsson was 4-under par through five holes when he received a call that his wife was in labor. He quickly left the course and headed back to Cedar City.

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109th Utah State Amateur

At Thanksgiving Point

First round, medal play

                                                                                                                                                                        Greg Buckway      66
                                                                                                                                                                        Michael McRae     67
                                                                                                                                                                        Jon Linnett       69
                                                                                                                                                                        Jeremy Richmond   69
                                                                                    
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                                                                                                                                                Scott Clark       70
                                                                                                                    Carl Jensen       70
                                                                                                                    Dustin Pimm       70

                                                                                                                    

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E-mail: jimr@desnews.com