VALDOSTA, Ga. - The Lee University men are five strokes back of tournament leader West Florida after the opening round of the 54-hole 2024 Gulf South Conference Men's Golf Championship being staged at the Kinderlou Forest Golf Course. West Florida posted a 6-under par 282 while the Flames came in with a 1-under 287. Montevallo followed at 293, Valdosta (294), and Union (296) to round out the top five.

West Florida's Cooper Tendick shot a sizzling 6-under 66 to grab medalist honors in the opening round. His teammate TJ Thompson and West Georgia's Oliwer Persson-Toiminen are tied for second with a 5-under 67. Lee's George Cordall and Montevallo's Harrison Hughston are deadlocked for the fourth spot with a 2-under 70.

 Lee also got a 1-under par round from Trey Melvin who fired a 71. Bennett McNabb posted an even par 72. Oliver Lewis-Perkins gave the Flames the final score that counted, a 2-over 74 and Wyatt Brackett rounded out the Lee tallies for the day with a 76.

There is plenty more action remaining with the second round of the 54-hole event scheduled to begin at 8:30 am on Tuesday morning.   

Coach Evan Spence's Thoughts:

Got off to a really hot start which is good to see. We have struggled with that this year. Don't think too many adjustments need to be made just keep doing what has worked. Have some room for improvement as it is a tricky course especially when the wind is blowing. Need to be patient because not every hole is a birdie hole and pick our spots."