GUILDERLAND — Watertown native Nick Ambrose recorded the best score of any area golfer in the first round of the 86th New York State Golf Association Amateur Championship on Tuesday at Pinehaven Country Club.

Ambrose, who is a former Immaculate Heart Central player, shot a 3-over-par 74 and is tied for 23rd overall. The Getzville resident is seven shots off the lead, which is currently held by 19-year-old Matthew Stasiak. Stasiak finished with a 4-under-par 67 and has a three-stroke lead.

Reigning city golf champion John Bufalini finished the opening round with a 4-over-par 75 for Ives Hill Country Club. Potsdam Country Club member Nick Miller shot a 77.

Bufalini's son, Michael, carded an 82, and Ives Hill's Shane Dyer had an 84. The top 32 low rounds after today's play will advance to Thursday's match play competition.