Lawrence golfers Brent Mertz and Randy Conroy might be considered among the lucky ones Tuesday during the first day of the Kansas Golf Assn. Fourball Championship at Alvamar.

They were one of only 32 teams that played an entire first round before a third lightning delay stopped the first round of qualifying with 52 teams left either on the course or still waiting to tee off.

Doug Wilson, left, and his son spencer head for the clubhouse during a rain delay. Wet weather interrupted play Tuesday at Alvamar during the Kansas Golf Assn. Fourball Championship.

“It was unfortunate,” said KGA executive director Kim Richey.

“There were some good scores out there, but most of the scores reflected the tough playing conditions.”

Mertz and Conroy also were fortunate in that they actually shot one of the day’s lowest rounds with a 2-under-par 68 one stroke higher than the day’s leaders.

“I’m definitely glad we got through today and we had a solid round,” said Mertz, a college golfer at Kansas City Kansas Community College. “We left a few shots out there, but we made a lot of birdies.”

When the tournament’s first round continues today, Mertz and Conroy will be behind four teams. Wichita’s Randy Vautravers and Jim West; Hutchinson’s Monte Hertach and Jesse Schulte; Abilene’s David Rempe and Council Grove’s Tim Tyner; and Berryton’s Gary Woodland and Topeka’s John Newcomer all shot 67.

The tournament began on time Tuesday, and Mertz and Conroy were 1-under through six holes.

Then came the first of the delays. After the 75-minute lightning delay, the golfers quickly picked up their sticks.

But most made just two more shots before the next interruption.

“It’s difficult to start and stop like that,” said Mertz, who grew up in Edgerton. “Mentally you keep turning it on and off.”

Mertz’s focus might have been fluctuating, but the tournament was definitely off this time for nearly three hours.

The tournament finally resumed, and Mertz and Conroy came into the clubhouse with a score they felt comfortable with.

“Randy played very well. Unfortunately, I didn’t help enough when we had a few bogeys,” Mertz said. “But we had a solid start and we hope we can put another together today.”

Kansas University golfer Travis Hurst wasn’t as lucky as the Lawrence duo. He shot a 74 and had a big disadvantage: He was playing without a partner.

Hurst’s teammate, fellow Jayhawk Casey Harbour, was playing in a U.S. Open qualifier in St. Louis.

“It was tough. It’s something I’ve never really experienced,” said Hurst of having to play in such rough conditions knowing he was carrying a team on his shoulders. “I’ve played in some competitive tournaments before, but knowing that every shot was going to count was tough. It’s a lot easier when you can get out there with another teammate who will help you on a hole.”

Still, Hurst said he was confident that he and Harbour, who didn’t make the Open qualifier’s cut, would be able to shoot well enough to make it into Thursday’s match play.

“Wasn’t good, wasn’t bad,” said Hurst, who along with Harbour captured the Heart of America Fourball championship last summer in Kansas City. “My goal was pretty much to shoot under 75, knowing he’ll be back today. I think we’ll be fine.

“But there’s a lot of good teams, and a lot of the more experienced guys live to beat us younger guys.”

Hurst does know one other thing for certain.

“I told him over the phone that I don’t want to ever have to do that again,” he said with a laugh.