Hooters Tour event attracts Manatee County players

Casey Wittenberg at the PGA Tour's Children's Miracle Network Classic in 2009. Courtesy of McClatchy-Tribune News Service.

There are a few players with area ties in this week's NGA Hooters Tour event in Fayetteville, Ga.

Former Bradenton Academy and Oklahoma State standout Casey Wittenberg is in the field.

So is Parrish's Steve Pleis and London's Jake Shepherd, who is listed from Longboat Key while stateside.

Wittenberg opened Thursday's first round at the Whitewater Creek Country Club Open presented by Michelob Ultra with a 1-under par 71 on the 6,739-yard layout.

Pleis had a scorching 7-under par 65, while Shepherd posted a 1-over 73.

Pleis is in a tie for sixth place, just two strokes off the lead.

Wittenberg sits in a tie for 66th place and Shepherd is in a tie for 111th.

Three players had yet to report their scores as of 9 p.m.

The tournament continues Friday and Saturday, concluding with Sunday's final round.

The top 60 and ties make the cut.