March 16, 2012
STATESBORO, Ga. - The No. 2 Auburn men's golf team sits in fourth place after the first round at the E-Z-GO Schenkel Invitational after firing a 6-under 282 at the Forest Heights Country Club in Statesboro, Ga. The Tigers trail No. 3 Alabama by 14 strokes and No. 24 Florida and Mississippi by just two shots. No. 26 Virginia rounds out the top five at 5-under.
"Blayne (Barber) played a very nice round today and was very patient," head coach Nick Clinard said. "As a team we struggled on the greens with our approach putting and we didn't strike the ball our best. The guys had a nice practice after the round and worked hard on their technique. I am excited about the next two days."
The Tigers were led by junior Blayne Barber who shot a season-best 66 and is currently in second place. The Ben Hogan Award Watch List member shot a 5-under 31 on the back nine to propel the Tigers into fourth place. Senior Will McCurdy is tied for 18th after carding his third sub-par round of the year, a 1-under 71.
Sophomore Niclas Carlsson shot an even 72 and is currently tied for 24th. Juniors Michael Hebert and Dominic Bozzelli are tied for 36th after carding a 1-over 73s. Freshman Michael Johnson, who is playing as an individual, is tied for 18th at 1-under.
The Tigers will begin the second round tomorrow morning at 8:45 with Virginia and Kentucky. Live stats can be found at www.golfstat.com.