Round 1: Children's Miracle Network Hospitals Classic

By Helen Ross, PGATOUR.COM

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — If Scott Stallings goes on to win the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Classic on Sunday, he might want to set aside some of his earnings in a trust fund for his niece and nephew.

After all, he wouldn’t be playing in the tournament if they didn’t want to meet Mickey Mouse.

"We love those kids to death and they wanted to come to Disney World, so Uncle Scott brought ‘em to Disney World," Stallings said. "So my brother and sister-in-law and my mother and father-in-law came down with my wife. They’re having a good time in the parks. They’re not watching any golf. 

"I don’t know which park they’re at today, so I am going to go try and find ‘em, round ‘em up, and see if I can go hang out with ‘em."

After the way Stallings played in the first round, though, the family might want to at least come over to the Magnolia Course on Friday to watch him tee off. He fired a bogey-free 66 at the Palm Course that left him in a seven-way tie for the lead.

"A patient day," said Stallings, who shot 32 on the back nine in assessment. "Didn’t really get off to the best start, kind of slow, but hit it close a few holes and made some birdies. I played the par 5s good (with three birdies). Kind of played the hard holes and got it in the fairways.

“Didn’t struggle out there too much. Hopefully we can keep it going."

Stallings, who won The Greenbrier Classic in his 21st PGA TOUR start earlier this year, certainly seems to have an affinity with central Florida, too.

He earned his PGA TOUR card last December at Orange County National — which is seven miles away from Disney. Stallings also took advantage of a sponsor’s exemption and finished third in the Transitions Championship at Innisbrook Resort, which is on Florida’s west coast about  two hours from Lake Buena Vista.

"I’m actually staying about two minutes from (Orange County National) this week," Stallings said. "My wife and I kind of drove over there. Just kind of funny. It’s amazing.
   
"Less than a year ago I was pumped to get my card and then pumped to actually just make a cut and then win, and then all the crazy stuff that went on with it. Central Florida has been really good to me this year."