SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – J.M. Butler is tied for sixth after the close of Saturday's action at the Maui Jim Intercollegiate. The sophomore shot a six under (64) to beat his career low 18-hole mark of 66, which he tied in round one. Butler also jumps up the historical leaderboard as he now sits tied for eighth in program history for the lowest score through 36 holes at 130 (-10). The Louisville native made six birdies across his 18 holes of play on the day.
"J.M. is just a workhorse," said Tigers head coach Nick Clinard. "He's a big-time player and he's one of the best in the country. It's not surprising at all how he's playing this weekend."
As a team, Auburn remains tied for third place with Louisville and Washington. The men shot 274 (-6) in round two to bring their tournament total to 545 (-15).
"We've put ourselves in a good spot," Clinard added. "We're looking forward to tomorrow and trying to win the day."
Continuing to climb in his collegiate debut, sophomore Ryan Eshleman brought the heat on the back nine, making three consecutive birdies on holes 13, 14 and 15 to cap it all off with an eagle, his second in two days, on hole 17. Eshleman shot 68 (-2) on the day to bring his cumulative score to 137 (-3).
Eshleman is the sole competitor, out of 90, to score more than one eagle through the first two rounds of competition.
In a repeat performance of the previous day, junior Austin Coggin and freshman Evan Vo turned in matching scorecards, both shooting a 71 (+1) to bring their overall scores to 139 (-1) and lock themselves in a tie for 38th place heading into the final round. The duo combined for five birdies on the day.
Junior Alex Vogelsong was able to make slight improvements from Friday, besting his round one score by a stroke, shooting a solid 71 (+1) to make him just three over (143) heading into Sunday's finale.
Bringing home another 71 for the Tigers on Saturday was junior C.J. Easley, the individual competitor. Easley birdied on holes 7, 14 and 17 to keep a steady pace rolling in the desert.
Georgia Tech 526 (-34) and Clemson 530 (-30) remain atop the team standings in Arizona. Auburn 545 (-15) is paired with Louisville 545 (-15) and Washington 545 (-15) in a three-way tie for third place. Following behind is San Diego State 546 (-14), California 552 (-8), Arizona 552 (-8), Oregon 553 (-7), Utah 554 (-6), Alabama 560 (E), New Mexico 560 (E), Georgia State 561 (+1) and Augusta 577 (+17).
UP NEXT
The Tigers head into the final round sitting within striking distance of top honors. Auburn looks to continue its impressive season-opener with Vogelsong kickstarting the action from the first hole at 9 a.m. CT.
Statistics from Sunday's final round of play will be available at GolfStat.com.
TEAM STANDINGS
1. Georgia Tech: 526 (-34)
2. Clemson: 530 (-30)
T3. Auburn: 545 (-15)
T3. Louisville: 545 (-15)
T3. Washington: 545 (-15)
6. San Diego State: 546 (-14)
T7. Cal-Berkeley: 552 (-8)
T7. Arizona: 552 (-8)
9. Oregon: 553 (-7)
10. Utah: 554 (-6)
T11. Alabama: 560 (E)
T11. New Mexico: 560 (E)
13. Georgia State: 561 (+1)
14. Augusta: 577 (+17)
AUBURN INDIVIDUALS
T6 – J.M. Butler: 64 (-6)
T27 – Ryan Eshleman: 68 (-2)
T38 – Austin Coggin: 71 (+1)
T38 – Evan Vo: 71 (+1)
T49 – C.J. Easley: 71 (+1)
T63 – Alex Vogelsong: 71 (+1)#WarEagle
Butler’s career low guides Tigers in second round of Maui Jim
