Jeff Burton made a trip from Scottsdale, Arizona to be in the New Mexico Open, so far he is not wasting his time. Burton fired a first round 8 under 64 and leads the tournament by a stroke after one round. Former Lobo and La Cueva star Sam Saunders is only a stroke back.
A field of 156 golfers are competing for the $85,000 purse which has a $14,000 first-place check. The field will be cut to 50 players after 36 holes. Los Altos golf pro David Muttitt is in contention after a round.
Muttitt, who played in the PGA Championship earlier this year, is only three shots off the pace. Past champion and four-time PGA Tour winner Notah Begay III shot an even round 72 in day one. Another past champion and former PGA Tour and Web.com Tour golfer, DJ Brigman, is also even after a round. Round two at Sandia Golf Club is Wednesday.