March 6, 2013
BLUFFTON, S.C. - The Penn State men's golf team sits in first place after round one at the Colleton River Collegiate at the Pete Dye Course in Bluffton, S.C. Although the first 36 holes of play were intended for day one of the tournament, only 18 were completed due to inclement weather.
The Nittany Lions are eight strokes ahead of the second place Michigan Wolverines, with a score of 317. Both sophomore Xander McDonald-Smith (Rockaway Park, N.Y.) and senior Jay Woodward (Bridgeport, W. Va.) lead the team with a 6-over-par 78. This mark puts both McDonald-Smith and Woodward tied for second in the individual rankings, only one stroke behind the tournament leader.
Freshman Chris Houston (Gilford, N.H.) had a solid day on the Pete Dye Course, earning the sixth spot on the leader board with a score of 80. Senior Anthony DeGol (Hollidaysburg, Pa.) is currently one stroke behind Houston and is tied for seventh with a tally of 81 (43-38).
Sophomore Jens Talbert (Little Rock, Ark.) holds the 14th ranking after day one, shooting an 83 over 18 holes. Freshman Geoff Vartelas (Cromwell. Conn.), who is playing as an individual at the Colleton River Collegiate, posted a score of 85 and is tied for 18th among all other competitors.
Michigan State's Jon Finley leads all individuals, posting a 5-over-par 77.
The final 36 holes of the tournament will be attempted Thursday, March 7, beginning at 8:30 a.m.