By Ronnie Gallagher
rgallagher@salisburypost.com
CHINA GROVE — Being a defending champion might work on the average golfer’s mind. Rain delaying a match might work on an average golfer’s mind.
Keith Dorsett is not an average golfer.
Dorsett, whose name is synonymous with championships in Rowan County, got off to a good start in the 10th annual Rowan Masters on Friday at The Warrior. He defeated Ryan Burke 7 & 5 to advance to a second-round meeting this morning against Andrew Morgan.
Dorsett, going after his seventh title, raced out to a quick working margin against Burke.
“I could care less what my opponent does,” Dorsett said when asked if he felt any pressure of being the defending champ.
Dorsett was 3-up after three holes, recording birdies on the first two and then hitting within 15 feet and parring the third as Burke missed his par putt.
Lightning halted play with the first group on the fourth hole. Burke found his groove for a while after the wait with birdies on 8 and 9. But Dorsett was already five holes ahead by that point.
Now, it’s on to face the talented Morgan, who beat another Andrew — rising Carson senior Purcell — 3 & 1. It’s doubtful rain nor nerves will affect the way Dorsett plays.
“Nothing really bothers me a lot,” he said.
Dorsett was the No. 1 seed while No. 2 seed and medalist Sean Kramer must return this morning at 7 a.m. As darkness came, he and Andy Beaver were tied after 18 holes.
Three other groups didn’t finish and will also complete their rounds at 7 a.m.:
• Jared Barnette and Ryan Stout were even after 15 holes.
• Todd Johnson was 1-up on Alex Lee after 15.
• Michael Swaringen was 1-up over Bubba Hendren after 15.
No. 3 seed Joey Boley advanced past Mike Mills 4 & 3, as did No. 6 seed Chris Owen, who beat David Miller by the same score.
No. 5 seed Justin Lefler took care of Joseph Cress 6 & 4.
The upset of the day came when 29th seed Kendall Carter defeated Ken Clarke 1-up. Clarke was the No. 4 seed.
Alex Nianouris, Seth Waller, Corey Basinger, Jason Meadows, Phil Miller and Robert Jordan also advanced.
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NOTES: Kramer had the best qualifying score of 71. … The winners will tee off at 8 a.m. today, followed by another round at 1:04 p.m. … The semifinals are set to begin at 8 a.m. on Sunday, followed by the championship match at 12:32 p.m.