Brand shoots 66 to leads West Virginia Open - WVVA TV Bluefield Beckley WV News, Weather and Sports

SISSONVILLE, W.Va. (AP) -- Charleston's Christian Brand has shot a 5-under-par 66 for a one-stroke lead after the first round of the West Virginia Open on Wednesday at Edgewood Country Club in Sissonville.

Brand is a former Marshall golfer who won the 2011 state Amateur and turned professional last month. His best finish in the Open is a tie for second in 2007.

Edgewood pro Craig Berner and Hurricane amateur Sam O'Dell are one stroke back. Berner won the event in 2005.

Among a group of five golfers at 3 under are four-time champion Scott Davis and 2001 winner Jonathan Clark.

Defending champion David Bradshaw and 2011 runner-up Bob Friend are at 1 under. Bradshaw is trying to become the first to win four straight Opens since Sam Snead in the early 1970s.

Some local golfers making a push include Bramwell's John Ross who's tied for 14th and Oak Hill amateur Winston Canada, who's a stroke behind Ross.

The winner of the tournament earns a spot in the upcoming Greenbrier Classic PGA event.