Oct. 13, 2009
VESTAVIA HILLS, Ala. - The 25th-ranked Auburn men's golf team (285) placed seventh in a soggy Jerry Pate National Intercollegiate on Tuesday. The event was reduced to an 18-hole format due to strong storms passing through the area on Monday, cancelling the opening 36-holes of play.
"This was a tough round of golf for everybody," said Auburn head coach Nick Clinard. "The conditions were sloppy out there today. I'm pleased to see three of our guys break the top-20.
"I was happy to see Cole Moreland shoot a solid round in his first showing for us in the lineup this season. We still have a young squad and his experience can play a significant role as the season rolls on."
Senior Cole Moreland (71) and sophomores Kyle Kopsick (71) and John Stembridge (71) all tied for 20th at 1-over par. Freshman David Zickler (72) tied for 29th followed by sophomore Will McCurdy (73) in a tie for 36th.
Kopsick completed the Jerry Pate continuing to lead all Tigers in scoring for the season, averaging 69.43 strokes per round. Currently ranked ninth in the nation by the GolfWeek/Sagarin ratings, the Chicago native holds a 161-27-9 record against individual competition through three events.
Tournament host Alabama (273) claimed the team title followed by No. 9 Texas (273), No. 16 UNLV (280), ETSU (280), Louisville (281), UAB (284), No. 25 Auburn, SMU (286), No. 17 Arkansas (289), Georgia State (290), Ole Miss (290) and Oklahoma (292).
Alabama's Hunter Hamrick (65) claimed medalist honors followed by Texas' Cody Gribble (66) in second. Complete results are available via www.golfstat.com.
Auburn golf returns to action Friday through Sunday at The Bank of Tennessee Intercollegiate at the Ridges Golf Club in Johnson City, Tenn.