Chaussard, Meierdierks share first-round lead at Illinois Open

Garrett Chaussard and Eric Meierdierks share the lead after the first round of the 61st Illinois Open Championship at Hawthorn Woods Country Club. Each carded a 4-under par 65 and have a 1-stroke lead over a trio of competitors.

When the players arrived on Monday for the start of the Championship, they were informed that one hole on the course was still under water after heavy rains pummeled the area over the weekend.

The par-5 17th hole, which normally plays at 506 yards, had pooled several feet of standing water in multiple locations, rendering the normal landing areas in the fairway unplayable. The decision was made to convert the hole to a par 3 playing at 158 yards, thus lowering the total score in relation to par to 69 instead of 71.

The change didn't seem to bother either player as Chaussard, 27, of Chicago, finished his round with 5 birdies and a bogey. The teaching professional from Cog Hill Golf & Country Club in Lemont is playing in his second Illinois Open.

Meierdierks, 25, from Wilmette, played in his first Illinois Open when he was only 16 and has been a fixture in the event for the past seven years, making the cut the past four.

"I played a lot smarter today which certainly comes with me getting older and wiser on the golf course," said Meierdierks, who finished with 7 birdies and 3 bogeys.

Four-time champion Mike Small, 44, from Champaign, had an up and down day, carding a one-over-par 70, leaving him tied for 20th place. Small is vying to tie Gary Pinns' Illinois Open record for most victories (five).