FRANKLIN, Tenn. – The sixth-ranked Vanderbilt men’s golf team dashed off to a fast start in their own Mason Rudolph Championship Friday and lead all teams after carding a four-under, 280, in the first round of the tournament, three strokes better than second-place Georgia Tech and Kennesaw State. Sophomore Matthias Schwab and freshman Theo Humphrey paced the Commodores in their first time around the Vanderbilt Legends Club South Course, with each shooting a two-under par, 69, which ties them for fourth on the individual leader board.
Vanderbilt also counted a one-under par, 70, from senior Hunter Stewart and a one-over, 72, from junior Zack Jaworski.
“I thought the guys did a great job hanging in there and remaining resilient in tough conditions today,” said Vanderbilt head coach Scott Limbaugh. “Things got tough for us in the middle of our round, but we were able to gain momentum on the last five holes, which set us up for a strong finish.”
The difference for the Commodores on Friday was par-five scoring in very windy conditions, with Vanderbilt finishing 14-under par as a team. Vanderbilt also posted two eagles on the day and 17 birdies
“Hunter was three-over through 13 and came back to post an under-par round, which really was big for us the way he stepped up,” said Limbaugh. “Also, the way Theo and Matthias both finished the last six holes was awesome. Zack hung in there and gave us a much-needed round today.”
Kelby Burton of Kennesaw State leads all individuals after shooting a four-under, 67, Friday. Burton has a one-shot lead on McCormick Clouser of Ball State and Scott Wolfes of Georgia Southern.
The Commodores also had six players play as individuals, with freshman Michael Decker leading those players with a first-round 69, which places him in a tie for fourth with Schwab and Humphrey. Senior Jordan Janico carded a 70 in his first round and was Vanderbilt’s second-best finisher among the individuals (T-11).
“We just need to continue being excited and enthusiastic about the opportunity of taking one more step toward being the best version of us,” said Limbaugh.
1. Vanderbilt – 280
T4. Matthias Schwab – 69
T4. Theo Humphrey – 69
T4. Michael Decker – 69*
T11. Hunter Stewart – 70
T11. Jordan Janico – 70*
T24. Zack Jaworski – 72
T24. Zachary Herr – 72*
T24. Spencer Ciesla – 72*
T33. John Voetsch – 73*
T33. Ben Fogler – 73*
T64. Carson Jacobs – 77
*Played as an individual
