Warren, Ohio. – The defending national champions did not get off to the beginning it had planned in the opening round of the 2023 NCAA Division II National Golf Championship being played at the Avalon Lakes par 72, 7287-yard course. The Lee Flames fired a team total of 9-over par 297 and has plenty to make up in the 54-hole event.
"Tough day out there for us today, certainly some frustration in some unforced errors," commented Lee Director of Golf John Maupin shortly after the opening 18. "Bottom line, there is a lot of golf to be played. We do a good job of making adjustments (in tournaments) after round 1 and being ready to get after it and make a climb tomorrow."
Missouri Science and Technology (Rollo, Mo.), the 31st ranked team in DII came out of nowhere to post a 4-under par 284 and claim the first-round lead. Only three other teams, Grand Valley State (-2), Oklahoma Christian (-2) and Barry (Fla.) (-1) posted under-par scores.
Sam Tandy of Harding University (Ark.) fired an impressive 6-under par 66 in the medalist hunt. Three others were one stroke back and 21 players played under-par golf on opening day.
Beck Burnette was the Lee leader with a 1-under par 71. Bennett McNabb continued his solid play with an even-par 72. Oliver Lewis-Perkins came in with a 4-over par 76. Dustin DeMersseman and Connor Pollman rounded out the Lee scoring with a 6-over 78.
