South Warren’s Jared Brown staked his claim as one of the area’s top golfers Monday.

The senior carded a 2-under-par 34 on the back nine at Bowling Green Country Club, finishing the day atop the leaderboard after the first round of a two-day “district championship” – a match between the five in-town schools. He had birdies on Nos. 12 and 15.

“It was very consistent,” Brown said. “A couple rough patches, but I was usually able to follow it up with a pretty nice shot. I had to scramble a little bit at the end, but I came out strong.”

Brown has advanced to the state golf tournament four times, three times as a member of a team and last year as an individual. He finished tied for second at last year’s region tournament and tied for 17th at state at BGCC.

He said he had a difficult start to this season but has since made strides. The second round of the district event takes place Monday at Indian Hills Country Club.

“At the very beginning, it was a little rough for me, but the last couple matches have been really solid for me,” Brown said. “I’m happy with the way I’m playing right now.”