Meador’s 64 leads SunTrust State Open

MIDLOTHIAN -- Josh Meador fired an 8-under 64 today to take the early first-round lead in the SunTrust State Open at Independence Golf Club. The Mechanicsville native shook close his inward half with three straight birdies, including a 15-footer on No. 18.

"I made a couple of more putts that I usually do," said Meador, who won here two years ago. "I made some good shots that I wasn't expecting."Meador, who failed to make the cut in 2009 after first-round 77, holds a one-shot lead over two-time champion Faber Jamerson of Appomattox. Jamerson, who polished off his round with five birdies in a row, turned in a 64 on the 7,127-yard course that has yielded several good scores.

However, defending champion Roger Newsome couldn't take advantage of the soft, receptive greens. He opened with a 5-over 77 to put himself in the unenviable position of having to go low tomorrow to make the cut. -- Ralph N. Paulk