Gaffney’s Cody Transou has the first round lead at the Grant Bennett Junior Invitational. (File Photo)

Gaffney’s Cody Transou has a two shot lead after the first round of the Grant Bennett Florence Junior Invitational. The Gaffney High School golfer shot a 5-under par 66 carding 5 birdies and an eagle to go with a pair of bogeys.

Two golfers are tied for second place at 3-under par. Tyler Gray of Lugoff and Walker Jones from Sumter each shot 68s on the par 71 Florence Country Club course.

Jones recently won the Upstate Junior at Smithfields.

Transou’s high school teammate at Gaffney is alone in fourth place. Zack Gordon shot an opening round 2-under par 69.

Walker Jones is tied for second place after the first round of the Grant Bennett Junior. (File Photo)

In the boys 13-14 year old division Manning Sloop of Rock Hill has a one shot lead ovwer Wills Kelley with Jack Wofford alone in third place at 1-over par.

Tip Price of Greenville shot a 35 in the 9-hole division for boys 10 and under. Price has an eight shot lead in his division.

The Grant Bennet Junior Invitational is one of the longest running tournament’s in South Carolina. This is the 66th annual event and has long been considered one of the best tournaments for young players in the state.

Bennett was the long time professional at Florence Country Club. He was recognized as leading the most outstanding junior program in the state during his years as head professional at the club and is a member of the South Carolina Golf Association Hall of Fame.