Greensboro College Pride Men Open NCAA Golf Tournament With Solid Performance

Pride Men Open NCAA Tournament With Solid Performance
from Wes Gullett, Greensboro College Sports Information Director

HOWIE-IN-THE-HILLS, Fla.-The Greensboro College men’s golf team opened play at the 2017 NCAA Division III Men’s Golf Tournament Tuesday with a 12-over-par 300.

The Pride tackled the challenging par-72 El Campeon Golf Couse at the Mission Inn Resort & Club.

“We got off to a hot start and put ourselves in a good spot,” Coach Jim Cantamessa said. “We just need to hold it all together for a full 18 holes.

“Even though the scores did not reflect it, the guys hit the ball really well, and I am optimistic heading into (Wednesday’s) second round.”

Levi Grogan started out on fire, making the turn at 2 under par before quickly advancing to 3 under par with a birdie on the par-5 first hole. Grogan then dropped a stroke with a bogey on the second hole before gaining it back with another birdie on the par-4 fourth hole. Grogan then struggled over his final five holes to finish his round at 2 over.

“I started out the day really good but hiccuped just a little down the stretch,” Grogan said. “You have to stay focused throughout the entire round.

“It is awesome playing in the national championship tournament, but it is just like any other tournament. I did not feel too nervous in the beginning, which I was a little surprised at playing on this stage, and I was able to settle in even more as the round progressed.”

His brother, Luke Grogan, also carded a 2-over-par after recording 14 pars and three bogeys, while recording his lone birdie of the day on the par-5 first hole.

Sean O’Connor also turned in a solid performance at 3 over par. O’Connor quickly found himself at 2 over par just three holes in before recording a birdie on the par-4 13th hole to move to 1 over par. O’Conner then played the next eight holes at even par, but he recorded two bogeys over his final six holes to finish the round.

Scott Campbell, who fell to 7 over par through 16 holes, finished his round with back-to-back birdies to card a 5 over par, while Grant Powell carded a 7-over- par 79.

The Pride men will return to the Mission Inn Resort & Club Wednesday for their second round. This time, Greensboro will tee off on the par-72 Las Colinas Golf Course. For more information on the Pride’s quest for a national title, continue to follow www.greensborocollegesports.com.