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On the golf course, Kellen Hunter has the reputation for being a bomber.

But it was the putter, not the driver, that carried Hunter's round on Saturday.

Hunter used some nifty play around the greens to card a 2 over 74 during the first round of the All-City Golf Championships at Souris Valley Golf Course.

The tournament moves to the Minot Country Club for today's second round.

"I didn't hit the ball very well, but my putter saved me on a few holes," Hunter said. "I got up and down a few times and made a lot of 6-10 foot putts. It was a pretty good score considering how I hit the ball."

Hunter said he will need to get his ball-striking in order to compete when the scene shifts to the MCC today.

"Out here (at Souris Valley) you can hit it about anywhere," Hunter said. "Driving isn't the key, so I suppose putting is. (Today) will be different test. It's a little tighter and I'll have to be able to keep it between the lines and putt it good as well."

Hunter, a 2005 Minot High School grad and former Minot State golfer, said he hasn't played much this summer, instead opting to spend his free time on the softball field.

"I probably have 12 rounds in," he said. "I played more earlier in the summer. Lately, I've been getting out about once a week."

One shot back of Hunter is defending champ David Buen, who fired a 75. There is a logjam of golfers at 5 over, including Chuck Merck, Steve Fundingsland, Doyle Radke and Randy Westby.

Kim Montgomery is leading the women's tournament after one day. She was pleased with her round of 83, but said she thinks it can be improved on.

"I'm fairly happy," she said. "I haven't played a lot the last few weeks, so it's a respectable score. I'm satisfied, but there's room for improvement. My home course is the country club so I'm looking forward to playing there (today)."

Montgmery is looking to make it back-to-back titles for golfers with that surname. Last year, her daughter Shantel Montgomery won the women's All-City title. This year, Shantel Montgomery is teeing it up for the University of North Dakota women's golf team.

One shot off the pace after day one is Elayne Lindquist, who shot an 84. Diana Somerville and Nadene Johnson each shot 87s on the first day of the tournament.