VALDOSTA, Ga. – The Lee University men will continue to battle the University of West Florida when the final 18 is played in the 54-hole 2024 Gulf South Conference Men's Golf Championship being held at the Kinderlou Forest Golf Course.
The Flames came in with a 10-over 298 on Tuesday to go along with a 287 on Monday and a 36-hole total of 585. On the other hand the Argonauts fired a 9- over 297 to go with their opening 282 for a 579 total. Union University holds down third (588), the University of Montevallo (595) and host Valdosta State University rounds out the top five (600).
West Florida's Per Ekelund moved into the top spot in the medalist hunt. After a 72 on Monday, Ekelund came back with a 2-under 70 under rugged conditions on Tuesday for a 142 total. Montevallo's Harrison Hughston is at 143 and holds down second place after a 73 to go along with his opening round of 70.
The Flames' George Cordall continued to be deadlocked for the third spot. After firing a 2-under 70 on Monday, Cordall battled for a 2-over 74 on Tuesday for his 144 total. Union's Gray Campbell also is at 144. He shot a 1-under 71 after opening with a 73.
Lee's Trey Melvin holds down fifth place. After a 1-under 71 on Monday, Melvin had a 3-over 74 and is at 145. Oliver Lewis-Perkins has been steady both days but will be looking to improve on Wednesday and carry the Flames to the top. The veteran Flame has had back-to-back 74s for his 148 and is tied for 10th in medalist play. Bennett McNabb stands at 17th (72-78 – 150) while Noah Ross fired a 76 on Tuesday.
The Lee men will be seeking the GSC Championship when they tee it up on Wednesday at 10:10 a.m. with Cordall going off at 10:50 a.m. The entire round can be followed on Golfstat.
Coach Evan Spence's Thoughts:
"There were stretches where the pins were a lot more challenging for sure. It is hot and the course is drying out and that made the course play a little differently. I like where we are at. We stayed in the fight and didn't lose too much ground today. We stayed patient for the most part. It was a long day today need a good night's rest and we will look forward to the fight tomorrow."
