Staff report

CHINA GROVE — Michael Swaringen returns to defend his Rowan Masters title at Warrior this weekend.

There are plenty of tough challengers, a mix of veterans and youngsters, lined up to compete in a 32-man field in the match play portion of the event.

Leading qualifying were Derek Lipe, Eric Edwards and Chad Frye with 69s.

Ken Knowles and recent East Rowan graduate Landon Merrell shot 70s.

Kevin Lentz and Hank Robins carded 71s.

Recent West Rowan graduate Tyler Kepley, 2023 Carson graduate Cade Cranfield and William Little shot 73s.

It took an 81 to make the cut.

Patrick Gregg shot that 81 and will be matched up with Swaringen in Friday’s first round.

Lipe is seeded second, Edwards third and Frye fourth.

First round pairings

(1) Michael Swaringen vs. (32) Patrick Gregg

(2) Derek Lipe vs. (31) Kenneth Lanier

(3) Eric Edwards vs. (30) Chris Harte

(4) Chad Frye vs. (29) Justin Taylor

(5) Ken Knowles vs. (28) Brayden Mulkey

(6) Landon Merrell vs. (27) Scott Fagg

(7) Kevin Lentz vs. (26) Curt Thomas

(8) Hank Robins vs. (25) Chris Owen

(9) Tyler Kepley vs. (24) Jared Barnette

(10) William Little vs. (23) Ross Brown

(11) Cade Cranfield vs. (22) Dan Hurd

(12) Sean Kramer vs. (21) Ricky Adams

(13) Jaden Sprinkle vs. (20) Brandon Phillips

(14) Keith Dorsett vs. (19) Jamie Phillips

(15) Justin Lefler vs. (18) Luke Nelson

(16) Daniel Walsh vs. (17) Tanner Frye