FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Playing against a loaded field in the NCAA D2 South/Southeast Regional Tournament from the Grande Oaks Golf Club hosted by Nova Southeastern University, the Lee men's golf team finds itself in ninth place in the field of 20 teams after the first 18 holes in the 54-hole event.
Sizzling Shorter University posted a 12-under 272 team total and grabbed the opening round lead over Lynn University (275). Barry (276), West Florida (277) and Florida Southern (278) placed four Florida clubs in the top five positions.
The Flames finished with a 283 total and trails Clayton State (281), North Georgia (282) and South Carolina–Aiken (282). Lee is deadlocked with Lander University (S.C.). Nova Southeastern finished 3-over par and tied for 14th while No. 1-ranked Anderson (S.C.) struggled at 5-over (289).
Palm Beach Atlantic's Andrew Riley, who was playing as an individual in the tourney, is leading in the medalist competition after firing a blistering 9-under 62 on the par 71 course.
The Flames had a pair of players, Bennett McNabb and Beck Burnette, post 2-under 69s. Dustin DeMersseman tallied a 1-over 72 while Oliver Lewis-Perkins came in with a 2-over 73 and Connor Pollman rounded out the Lee scoring with a 4-over 75.
"This first round is just about finding your footing and settling in sometimes, and then you make your move in the next two rounds," pointed out Lee Director of Golf and Coach John Maupin.
"I thought we got off to a great start and then hit a bit of a rough patch before picking up a couple of birdies coming in. We will be right in the mix starting tomorrow, but we are going to have to go out and get it. We need committed swings all day tomorrow," he concluded.
