SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Offseason preparation was key for the Auburn men's golf team as they wrapped up round one of the Maui Jim Intercollegiate in third place. Collectively, the Tigers shot 271 (-9), only trailing Georgia Tech and Clemson.
"Our guys have been working really hard at home," Auburn head coach Nick Clinard said. "We've challenged them in the weight room, and we've been playing a ton of golf. They know they're ready to play because of how hard much work they've put in leading up to this.
"We have a good, young group of guys with great connectivity and great leadership. I'm proud of how they played today, and I know they're ready to get out there tomorrow and continue to prove that we're one of the better teams."
Sophomore J.M. Butler lead the Auburn charge, firing a 66 (-4) with a team-high six birdies to tie his career low for a solo round. The Louisville native rounded out the day tied for seventh on the individual leaderboard.
Junior Austin Coggin and freshman Evan Vo also turned in solid performances, both collecting four birdies apiece to finish 68 (-2) and tied for 17th in the individual standings. Coggin set a new career low 18-hole mark, beating his previous best of 70 set last spring.
Sophomore Ryan Eshleman also impressed in his collegiate debut, turning in a score card of 69 (-1) highlighted by an eagle on the second hole, one of only four on the day. The Birmingham native sits tied for 27th following the conclusion of round one.
Rounding out Auburn's team performances was Junior Alex Vogelsong who finished the day 72 (+2). Vogelsong sits tied for 57th individually heading into round two.
The Tigers' individual competitor, C.J. Easley, began his junior campaign on the right foot, making three birdies en route to a 69 (-1) finish. The Oxford, Miss. native stands tied for 27th alongside teammate Eshleman.
Atop the team standings after round one is Georgia Tech at 16 under par (264). Sitting in second is Clemson 266 (-14), trailed closely by Auburn 271 (-9) in third. Following the Tigers is Louisville 273 (-7), San Diego State 274 (-6), Washington 274 (-6), Arizona 277 (-3), California 279 (-1), Utah 281 (+1), Georgia State 284 (+4), New Mexico 284 (+4), Alabama 287 (+7), Oregon 287 (+7) and Augusta 295 (+15).
UP NEXT
The Auburn men look to keep the positive momentum rolling as Easley kicks off the second round at 10 a.m. CT. Vo will commence team competition for the Tigers from the first tee box at 11:40 a.m. CT.
Live stats for the Maui Jim Intercollegiate will continue to be broadcast on GolfStat.com.
TEAM STANDINGS
1. Georgia Tech: 264 (-16)
2. Clemson: 266 (-14)
3. Auburn: 271 (-9)
4. Louisville: 273 (-7)
T5. San Diego State: 274 (-6)
T5. Washington: 274 (-6)
7. Arizona: 277 (-3)
8. Cal-Berkeley: 279 (-1)
9. Utah: 281 (+1)
T10. Georgia State: 284 (+4)
T10. New Mexico: 284 (+4)
T12. Alabama: 287 (+7)
T12. Oregon: 287 (+7)
14. Augusta: 295 (+15)
AUBURN INDIVIDUALS
T7 – J.M. Butler: 66 (-4)
T17 – Austin Coggin: 68 (-2)
T17 – Evan Vo: 68 (-2)
T27 – Ryan Eshleman: 69 (-1)
T27 – C.J. Easley (Ind.): 69 (-1)
T57 – Alex Vogelsong: 72 (+2)
#WarEagle
Steady start to fall season sees Tigers conclude day one in third place
