NAIA NATIONALS UNDERWAY |
|
OLATHE, KS: The field of 28 teams completed first round competition at the 55th annual NAIA Men’s Golf National Championship on Tuesday. The 72-hole event is being held at Prairie Highlands Golf Course. Texas Wesleyan sits in a tie for eleventh place with a card of 14 over par. Third ranked Oklahoma City leads the field at one-over (289).
The field features several familiar foes for the Rams. Oklahoma Christian (T2), Southern Nazarene (T7), and Wayland Baptist (T7), all from Region VI, are each in the top ten after one round.
Todd Halpen of the University of Victoria (BC) set a course record with a card of six under par (66) to lead all individuals. The previous record of 68 was set in 2002. Only six other players finished the day under par.
Lance Vasquez led Texas Wesleyan by shooting one over 73 putting him in a tie for 16th position. Mitch Hendon finished just behind Vasquez with a card of 75 while Reino Deetlefs and Ryan Stephens each scored 77. Justin Smith finished at 81.
Head coach Kevin Millikan was disappointed with the performance, but pointed out the length of the competition. “It’s a long way from over, and we’re not out of it.” Millikan went on to say, “the golf course is playing a little tougher than it did last year.”
The tournament field played the 7,045 yard, par 72 course at an average of five-over par and has recorded six eagles through the first round. The 72-hole event continues through Friday May 19. The field of 141 golfers will be cut to the top 17 teams and 40 individuals after the completion of 54 holes.
After starting in the morning group today, Texas Wesleyan’s second round competition will begin at 1:33 p.m. when Mitch Hendon tees off. For a complete results and a listing of tee times visit the tournament webiste at www.naia.org.
Fin. Player Scores T16 Lance Vasquez 73 T40 Mitch Hendon 75 T67 Reino Deetlefs 77 T67 Ryan Stephens 77 T120 Justin Smith 81 T11 Texas Wesleyan 302
|
The Rams Online created and maintained by College Sports Online, Inc.