Feb. 11, 2012
GAINESVILLE, Fla. - The No. 2 Auburn men's golf team finished the opening day at the Gator Invitational in first place behind a stellar first day from junior Dominic Bozzelli at the Mark Bostick Golf Course at the University of Florida in Gainesville, Fla.
As a team, Auburn shot 279-281--560 (E) to hold a five-stroke lead over host Florida. The Tigers finished the first round in second place but shot a 1-over 281 in the second to gain six strokes on the Gators. No. 8 Arkansas sits in third place at 17-over 577, while Liberty and No. 17 Florida State are tied for fourth at 18-over 578.
"We played two good rounds under tough conditions," head coach Nick Clinard said. "It was extremely wind and their mental approach was sound. We are looking forward to tomorrow. I am proud of all six of my guys."
Bozzelli shot a career-best 6-under 64 in the second round to take a five-stroke lead ahead of Florida's TJ Vogel. The Pittsford, N.Y., native finished the first round tied for second place after shooting a 2-under 68.
Junior Michael Hebert also sits inside the top-five after shooting a season-best 70 in both rounds. Sophomore Niclas Carlsson, who is playing as an individual, is tied for sixth at 1-over par after rounds of 68 and 73.
Blayne Barber sits tied for 17th after carding a 2-under 68 in the first round, but struggled in the afternoon, shooting a 6-over 76. True freshman Michael Johnson is currently tied for 20th at 5-over after carding rounds of 73 and 72.
Junior Jackson Beindorf rounds out the Tigers' lineup, tied for 47th, after shooting a 75 in both rounds.
The Tigers will tee off tomorrow with Florida and Arkansas at 9 a.m.
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