The TCGA Amateur Championship begin on Friday and after 18 holes, high school Blaise Brixner is atop the leaderboard at -3.

Today marked day one of the Triple City Golf Association Amateur Championship! And golfers braved some rain, a lot of humidity and an always tough Conklin Players Club Track.

After 18 holes, Blaise Brixner, a Maine-Endwell Spartan leads the way at three-under while Luke Barney sits in second at -2.

Barney, a Le Moyne golf and Vestal alum shot two-under through 18 to take the lead as he walked off the course and says he's been playing the TCGA for years now and feels his hard work is beginning to really pay off.

"I've seen my brother win twice, kind of growing up, lurking in the shadow. We've had a few close calls, top five in the last couple of years, and I finally feel like I've learned everything I need to, and I'm ready to get it done on Sunday," Barney said. "Every shot counts. I've learned that just coming down the stretch the last couple of years, missing it by one or two and just learning to stay in every shot from the first day to the last day."

Round two will tee off on Saturday at the Links at Hiawatha and our final round will be on Sunday at Binghamton Country Club. We spoke with last year's champion, Michael Bucko, who says coming in as the reigning champ adds some extra pressure while adding that the unique style of tournament, three courses over three days, creates a fun dynamic for golfers.

"There's definitely some pressure because I definitely have a bullseye on my back. A lot of players are trying to gun me down. I know that. But if I stick true to my game, I know I can come out here and play some good scores," Bucko said. "This course, you definitely have to play a little bit shorter because it's a little softer out at the Links at Hiawatha, you just got to make sure you keep it straight and then Binghamton Country Club, as long as you get to the greens. Just trying to two-put. It's definitely tough."

Bucko shot two-over on the day. For the full leaderboard, go here. Fox 40 will have the highlights and leaderboard throughout the weekend.