RAINWATER POURS A 74 AT JAYCEES

Thomas Rainwater of Bloomfield found himself in some unfamiliar territory after Saturday's first round of the two-day Park Development Foundation Individual Men's Tournament at Cape Girardeau's Jaycees Golf Course.

Rainwater fired a 4-over-par 74 to hold a one-stroke lead in championship class over Todd Centers of Cape entering today's final round.

"I've never led after the first day," said Rainwater with a laugh. "I've been close before, but that was a lucky round for me."

Rainwater, who plays mostly at Malden's Municipal Golf Course, started the day with a birdie on the first hole and later added an eagle chip from about 20-yards out on the par-5 17th hole.

"It was a tough pin-placement day," said Rainwater.

Centers, a member of Bent Creek Golf Course, shot a consistent round with three birdies.

"It was one of those days where when you get done, you're where you need to be," Centers said. "I played pretty even throughout."

Both players fought through Saturday's intense heat to pull away from the seven other players in championship class. Randy Eichorn and Andy Golden were the only other players in championship flight to shoot below 80 with scores of 78 and 79, respectively.

"The heat became a factor later in the day, but it's not something you try to think about," Centers said.

In all, 32 golfers are competing in the two-day, four-flight individual tournament. Bud Crites of Cape Girardeau led A Flight by one stroke with an eight-over-par 78. Tony Seber of Cape also led B Flight by a stroke with an 82. In C Flight, John Trimble of Jackson fired an 85 to take a one stroke lead into today's action which begins at 7:48 a.m.

"We're going to tee it up tomorrow and see what happens," Centers said. "It's nice to see the Jaycees put on an individual tournament. We've been talking about it for about a year. I have to give my appreciation to (Jaycees recreation coordinator) Sabrina Tate. The course is in real good shape."

Both Centers and Rainwater said they play in about six individual tournaments during the year. The only problem is finding enough of them in the area.

"It's hard to find individual tournaments," Rainwater said. "I'm glad she (Tate) put on this individual."

Rainwater should be glad, considering his first-day success. Despite never playing with a lead, Rainwater isn't feeling any pressure heading into today's final round.

"Not at all," Rainwater said. "I don't normally play championship class so I don't have anything to lose. I'd just like to shoot the same score. A 74 sounds good to me."