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First-Round Fireworks: Avret aces 11th at Reynolds Landing

LAKE OCONEE, Ga. -- Clint Avret, the PGA Head Professional at Timuquana Country Club in Jacksonville, Fla., made his debut in the 41st PGA Professional National Championship memorable Thursday afternoon, recording a hole-in-one -- his first in competition -- during Thursday's opening round of the showcase event for PGA Professionals.

Avret, 38, used a 7-iron on the 149-yard, par-3 11th hole at Reynolds Landing in Greensboro, Ga., one of two courses near Reynolds Plantation playing host to the National Championship. It was the second ace of Avret's career.

"I was the third to hit, and with the green elevated, I never got to see the ball go in," said Avret, who had an opening 2-over-par 74. "It was very timely for me in the round. I took about 10 steps before we heard from the group ahead that the ball was in the hole."

Avret, the 2005 North Florida PGA Champion, was in an 8:50 a.m. ET pairing Friday at Great Waters.

The 41st PGA Professional National Championship field will be trimmed to the low 70 scorers and ties Friday, with the final 36 holes conducted at Great Waters. The low 20 scorers after Sunday's final round earn a berth in the 90th PGA Championship, Aug. 4-10, at Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield Township, Mich.

Established in 1968, The PGA Professional National Championship roster of Champions includes past and present Tour professionals: Sam Snead, Bob Rosburg, Don Massengale, Ed Dougherty, Larry Gilbert and Bruce Fleisher.

The PGA Professional National Championship is presented by Titleist, FootJoy and Cobra; Buick and Club Car. Golf Channel is an exclusive media partner, and the PGA Tour is the Supporting Sponsor of PGA of America Member Championships. The 41 Section Championships and the National Championship offer a combined purse of $1.5 million.