Radford's Channing Blevins Leads the Way After Round 1 of Kenridge Invitational

The 87th Kenridge Invitational at Farmington Country Club completed its first of three rounds on June 6, 2025, delivering a competitive start to the tournament. Channing Blevins set the pace, posting a 5-under-par 65 to take the lead. Chad Fultz trailed one stroke back at 4-under-par 66, while Clay Pendergrass sat two strokes off the lead with a 3-under-par 67. Vaughn McMeans was three strokes behind the leader at 2-under-par 68. Ten players, including Austin Smith and Charlie Kennedy, were four strokes back at 1-under-par 69. The 6,665-yard par-70 course, though relatively short by modern standards, proved a formidable challenge, yielding a first-round average of 74.4 with six eagles and 244 birdies across the field.

The course’s difficulty was evident in its toughest stretches, demanding precision and strategy. Hole 18 (430 yards, par 4) played at +0.6 over par, followed by Hole 3 (440 yards, par 4) at +0.5, the hardest of the day. The “Triad of Trials”—Holes 10 through 12, reminiscent of Augusta’s Amen Corner—tested players’ mettle: Hole 10 (226 yards, par 3) at +0.4 ranked third toughest, while Holes 11 and 12 followed at +0.3 and +0.4. Holes 11 (424 yards, par 4) and 12 (421 yards, par 4) descend through towering 100-foot oaks to the lowest points of the property, creating a claustrophobic two-hole sequence where players feel hemmed in by nature’s embrace, only to rise sharply and emerge at the more forgiving Hole 13 (308 yards, par 4), offering a brief respite.

Farmington’s layout, a thinking man’s test crafted by architect Fred Findlay and restorers Dave Axland and Rodney Cole, demanded strategic play with its cleverly designed holes and scenic viewsheds, rewarding careful shot-making over raw distance. Director of Golf at Farmington Country Club shared players’ praise for the fair setup, noting its balance of challenge and opportunity. Members took immense pride in showcasing the course’s exceptional conditioning, with pristine fairways and greens that elevated the event’s prestige, making the opening round a memorable showcase of golfing skill.

The Kenridge Championship’s first round was steeped in legacy, with seven past champions teeing off, headlined by 70-year-old David Partridge. Returning after a 15-year absence for his final Kenridge, the five-time victor (’86, ’89, ’90, ’93, ’95) captivated fans with his storied prowess. The presence of these seven titans underscored the tournament’s rich history and enduring draw.