By Dalton Balthaser

 

BARRINGTON - This morning, one of Tim Murray’s daughters asked if he would be able to put her on the bus for her first day of school Wednesday.

 

Murray said, “Only if I play well in the first round and get a late tee time.”

 

The reigning Senior Club Champion at Quinnatisset Country Club and 2021 Quinnatisset club champion delivered on the promise.

 

Murray, aided by a steady tee game and timely birdies, took lead after Day One of the Rhode Island Senior Amateur Tuesday at Rhode Island Country Club (par 71, 6,393 yards).

 

His round of 70 gives him a one-shot lead over 2019 champion Bruce Heterick of Agawam Hunt and clubmate Jim Colucci. Both Heterick and Colucci shot rounds of 71.

 

Round One wasn’t completed Tuesday due to three different weather delays that totaled 2 hours and 20 minutes. Play was called for the day at 6:56 p.m.

 

“I’ve been pleased with how I have been playing this summer,” said Murray, 56, of Scotland, Conn. “My driving has been my strength this year. This golf course sets up well for me because I like to hit a draw and there are quite a few tee shots that suit my eye. When I played a practice round here, I learned so much. If you keep the ball below the hole you can score.”

 

Murray made the turn in 2 under thanks to three birdies. He birdied No. 4 (par 4, 351 yards) after he stuffed a pitching wedge from 115 yards to gimme range. 

 

On No. 6 (par 4, 296 yards) he pitched a lob wedge to 10 feet and made an easy birdie after a crisp chip to tap-in range on No. 8 (par 5, 489 yards).

 

Murray held on to his round on the back nine and mixed three bogeys with two birdies.

 

The birdies on Nos. 11 (par 5, 494 yards) and 16 (par 4, 400 yards) were key to keep his momentum. Both came a couple of holes after a bogey.

 

Murray started to compete in RIGA events last year. When he joined Quinnatisset he had learned that they were a part of the RIGA and fellow members encouraged him to play. 

 

It has brought him back to his roots.

 

“I grew up in Cumberland and have played with a lot of these guys when I was a kid,” said Murray. “For me coming back to Rhode Island to play in RIGA events has been great. It feels like home to me.”

 

Murray got some motivation after seeing clubmates Dave McNally and Chris Markiewicz win the Senior Four-Ball (Gross) at Quinnatisset and McNally claiming the Senior Division of the Stroke Play at Montaup Country Club.

 

“When you put yourself into positions like this it makes it easier to feel comfortable,” said Murray. “Putting myself in these situations is what I live for and what motivates me in golf. I understand now why you want to play in events like this.”

 

Murray is just 18 holes away from walking through the door for the first time. He will lean on his recent successes to help him.

 

“For me, keeping my emotions in check will be important,” said Murray. “I find myself always looking and thinking ahead. That’s never done me any good, but it is one of the hardest things to do in golf, staying in the present.”