The defending Heart of America champions wasted no time Monday sending a message to the tournament field.

Jackson Foth and Josh Weems secured a share of the lead after the tournament’s opening round of stroke-play qualifying, combining to shoot seven-under, 65.

Park Ulrich and Alex Higgs also turned in a seven-under effort.

Josh Weems (left) and Jackson Foth claimed a share of the stroke-play qualifying lead Monday at Oakwood Country Club.
Josh Weems (left) and Jackson Foth claimed a share of the stroke-play qualifying lead Monday at Oakwood Country Club.

There was little breathing room between the pair of leaders and the pair of teams tied for third place.

Cy Moritz and Tyler Hirlinger carded a six-under, 66, while Preston Fleenor and Hank Simpson matched the six-under mark.

Greg Loteckie and Don Kuehn took sole possession of first-place in the senior division.

The pair shot a four-under, 68 to earn a bye Tuesday morning.

Charlie Schorgl and Ed Walsworth finished one-stroke behind the leaders, turning in a three-under, 69.

Finally, Andy Smith and Karl Elbrecht rouneded out the top-three in the seniors division, posting a two-under, 70.

The top seven place finishers in the open division earned byes Tuesday morning, while the top eight senior teams earned a bye.

To view the full results from Monday, click here.