College Men’s Golf Results – Guilford, Methodist Share Lead After 18 Holes of O’Briant-Jensen

GREENSBORO, N.C. – Tournament host Guilford College and Methodist University share the lead after Monday’s opening round of the O’Briant-Jensen Memorial Golf Tournament at the Sedgefield Country Club-Pete Dye Course. The Quakers and Monarchs shot matching scores of 308 and hold a two-stroke edge over third-place Christopher Newport University and Washington and Lee University in the 17-team field.

Andrew Winters, one of four Wake Forest University ‘B’ team members playing as individuals, leads the 95-man field after carding an even-par 70 on the sun-splashed 6,740-yard layout in northwest Greensboro. Winters had three birdies, three bogeys and 12 pars to take a three-stroke edge over teammate Tanner Owen. Owen opened at three-under after four holes and made the turn at -2, but faltered down the stretch. He played the back nine at five-over and has a one-stroke edge over the trio of Methodist’s Craig Decato, Christopher Newport’s Joel Choi and Shenandoah University’s Doc Schulte.

The host Quakers found themselves in fourth place late in the round, but rallied down the stretch to pull even with the Monarchs. Tanner Gross chipped in for birdie on 18 and finished with a seven-over 77, which matched rookie teammate Harrison Frye and seven other who share 16th place individually. Guilford’s Drew Thompson shot the Quakers’ low round (76) and is part of a six-way tie for 10th place.

The Quakers shot four over their final four holes, compared to Methodist’s eight-over total. Decato paced the Monarchs with his round of 74, which featured consecutive birdies on the second and third holes. Jeff Wells shot 77 and is part of the group in 16th place, one stroke better than teammate Jackson Collier (78).

The 36-hole tournament, which concludes Tuesday, is named for former Guilford golf coach Jack Jensen and boosters Tom and Bettie O’Briant. The event has been held annually since 1978 when it was named the Guilford Invitational. This year’s event featured four teams ranked in the Golf World/Nike Golf Division III Coaches’ Poll, including third-ranked Methodist and 10th-ranked Guilford.