The fourth-ranked Florida men’s golf team overcame a cold and windy day at the Mark Bostick Golf Course to take the lead after the first two rounds of the 33rd annual SunTrust Gator Invitational.
Florida had rounds of 283 and 279 for a 2-over-par total of 562, nine strokes ahead of Chattanooga. Florida State was another three shots behind in the 14-team event that concludes Sunday.
“I’m happy with today,” Florida coach Buddy Alexander said. “Of course you never feel comfortable with any lead. I’ve had some big leads going into final rounds and it didn’t turn out the way we had hoped. But I’m pleased with the performance today in some difficult conditions. It was cold out there and the wind was going.”
Senior Tyson Alexander finds himself tied for first place individually with UAB’s John Darby and Duke’s Julian Suri at 1-over-par 141. Alexander had rounds of 71 and 70 that were matched by Darby and Suri.
Three other Gators were among the seven golfers who were tied for fourth at 2-over-par 142. Freshman Phillip Choi (72-70), redshirt junior Andres Echavarria (68-74) and junior Bank Vongvanij (72-70) find themselves tied with Florida State’s Michael Hebert, UCF’s Nuno Henriques, LSU’s Andrew Loupe and Chattanooga’s Derek Rende.
Senior Tim McKenney, who opened with a 77 in the morning, shot 69 in the afternoon and was tied for 22nd place at 6-over-par 146. Three other Gators – freshman Tommy Mou, senior Robbie Wight and freshman Tyler McCumber – are competing as individuals. Mou was at 147 after rounds of 78 and 69, Wight was tied for 40th at 147 after rounds of 75 and 74. McCumber finds himself tied for 56th at 153 after rounds of 75 and 78.
The Gators return to action for the third and final round on Sunday. The squad will tee off beginning at 9:10 a.m.