June 12, 2008

LUBBOCK, Texas - Playing his first round of his first major as a professional, former Texas Tech golfer Andrew Dresser experienced his first tastes of playing on an elite stage during the opening round of the U.S. Open Thursday inn Diego, Calif. Dresser finished at five-over 77 for the day.

From solid, steady play of a successful front nine to some challenging holes at the end, the Carrollton, Texas native nearly covered the proverbial spectrum over his first 18 holes of play. Dresser more than held his own through the first nine holes, firing a one-under par 35. The back nine were not quite as kind, however, as he fought his way to a 42.

Playing with some of the biggest names in the sport on an elite course didn't seem to phase the former Tech All-American at the start. Dresser opened up play with a pair of birdies through his first six holes to sit at two-under early on. A bogey on the ninth hole put him at one under at the turn.

The back nine is where Dresser experienced the bitter part of his day. Three straight bogeys over holes 10-12 left its mark. Dresser fought back with a pair of par holes, but three more bogies over the final four holes left him at 77 in a tie for 85th heading into Friday's second round. The 60 players with the lowest scores including ties, and players within 10 strokes of the leader will make the "cut" and play in the final round Saturday.

Dresser is set to tee off Fraday's second round of competition at 9:12 a.m. PST.