Eshleman guides Tigers through day one of Marquette Invitational

RIVER HILLS, Wis.– No. 3 Auburn men's golf sits in fifth place at 12 strokes over par following a near two rounds of play at the Marquette Invitational at Milwaukee Country Club Sunday.
 
The Tigers carded a 283 (+3) in round one and nearly finished round two before play was suspended due to darkness.
 
"Today challenged us in a way that we've yet to be challenged this year," Tigers head coach Nick Clinard said. "This course requires a lot of focus, discipline and grit, which is exactly why we're here playing it. There was a lot that we did well today, but as always, we know there are still things we can tighten up. Tomorrow will be about how we can adjust and punch back."
 
Auburn junior Ryan Eshleman leads the lineup after posting a 70 (E) in round one and a 58 (-1) through 15 holes of the second round. Eshleman ranks second on the player leaderboard, three strokes back of the leader, Iowa State's Luke Gutschewski.
 
"This is a great, hard, fair, old school golf course that requires a lot of discipline," Eshleman said, "and for the most part, I've played with a lot of good discipline, and that has benefitted me so far. Tomorrow is a new day, and we are going to show up ready to attack and play smart."
 
All-American J.M. Butler is another Tiger representative in the top 10. Butler also carded a 70 (E) in his opener and holds a 63 (+1) through 16 holes of round two to place tied for eighth place.
 
The trio that rounds out the Auburn lineup, junior Carson Bacha and sophomores Brendan Valdes and Evan Vo, shot a 70 (E) and a pair of 73s (+3), respectively, to begin the tournament.
 
Tigers individual golfer, Alex Vogelsong, carded a 72 (+2) through his first 18 holes and carries a 68 (+2) through 17 in the middle frame.  
 
For Monday's finale, players will finish remaining round two holes in shotgun start at 9 a.m. CT. before commencing the final round at 10 a.m. CT.
 Scores Through Round One