HPU Men’s Golf In Eighth At Davidson College Invitational

DAVIDSON, N.C. – The High Point University men’s golf team shot a combined 319 in the first round of the Davidson College Invitational on Monday and currently sits in eighth place out of 14 teams. Sophomore McKay Tye shot an opening-round 78 to lead the Panthers.

“This was a tough day for golf with the sleet, rain and wind,” said head coach Greg Flesher. “It is a great test of mental toughness and desire to win when you have to battle the elements and a challenging 7,300-yard course. On days like this desire and confidence are more important than any club you have in your bag. Some of our guys really competed and showed maturity despite the weather and put is in good shape as a team. McKay Tye had the highlight of the day with an eagle on the seventh hole. Hopefully tomorrow we are able to get back on the course and continue to improve.

Tye, HPU’s top finisher last week, ended the first day in a tie for 21st after turning in his 14th round under 80 this season. The sophomore sits two strokes ahead of teammates Jay Card and LJ Georgetti who both carded 80s in the opening round to finish tied for 28th on the day. Sophomore Tommy Dillon is currently tied for 33rd with an 18-hole score of 81 while freshman Jack Sides shot an 89 for the day and is in 65th place.

Tennessee leads the team standings with a combined first-round score of 293. The Volunteers lead by 11 strokes over Kent State who currently sits in second with a combined score of 304. Gardner-Webb is in third after the first round after shooting a combined 307 on the day while host Davidson sits in fourth with a combined score of 309. Radford rounds out the top five with a score of 312 in the first round.

The Volunteers’ Oliver Goss turned in the only round under par on the day with a one-under 71. Goss currently leads the individual standings by two strokes over teammate Marshall Talkington and Kent State’s Corey Conners.

High Point will return to the River Run Country Club on Tuesday, March 4, for the second and final day of the Davidson College Invitational.