STATESBORO, Ga. – The Florida men’s golf team was in fifth place after shooting a four-over-par 292 Friday in the opening round of the Chris Schenkel E-Z-Go Invitational. Senior Billy Horschel and junior Tim McKenney each shot even-par 72, three shots out of the individual lead and tied for 18th.
Junior Tyson Alexander had four birdies on his way to a one-over 73 (T27). Freshman Mu Hu of China carded a three-over 75 (T45) and senior Will Strickler opened with a nine-over 81 (T92) in the tournament honoring Schenkel, the late veteran broadcaster for ABC Sports, who occupied the 18th hole tower for years at PGA Tour and major golf events.
“The greens here are tricky and the wind was swirling today,” said Florida coach Buddy Alexander. “I think that’s why there weren’t many low scores today. We can do a better job tomorrow. We’re fortunate that nobody ran away from the field today. If we have a good round tomorrow we’ll be right in the middle of things on Sunday.”
Tennessee was the only team to somewhat solve the windy conditions, cardining a team total of one-under 287. The Volunteers were three strokes clear of North Florida. Georgia Southern and South Carolina were tied for third at three-over 291, followed by the Gators.
In the individual race, four golfers were tied for the top after shooting three-under-par 69s: Taylor Floyd of Augusta State, Glenn Northcutt of Auburn, Robin Wingardh of Tennessee and Sang Yi of Louisiana State.
McKenney’s even-par round was hard-earned. He was four-over after his first 11 holes but made four birdies in his final six holes.
Team scores: 1. Tennessee 287 (-1); 2. North Florida 290 (+2); 3. Georgia Southern and South Carolina 291 (+3); 5. Florida 292 (+4); 6. Oklahoma 292 (+5); 7. Auburn 294 (+6); 8. Georgia State, Mississippi and North Carolina State 295 (+7); 11. Vanderbilt, Louisiana State and Virginia 296 (+8); 14. Kentucky 297 (+9); 15. Augusta State 298 (+10); 16. North Carolina and Iowa 302 (+14); 18. Notre Dame 311 (+23).