SEA ISLAND, Ga. – The no. 1 seed Vanderbilt Commodore men’s golf team moved up three spots on the team leaderboard in the second round of the SEC Championships Thursday after carding a 7-under-par 273 and are now in second place heading into the final round of stroke play Friday. The Commodores’ 7-under team total was the second-best round of the day at the par-70, 7,005-yard Seaside Course.
Vanderbilt was led Thursday by sophomore Harrison Ott, who finished with six birdies and one bogey in route to a second-round 65, which was a new career low. Junior John Augenstein fired a 3-under-par, bogey-free 67, while senior Will Gordon posted an even-par-70 and freshman Reid Davenport ended the day with a 1-over-par 71 to close out the team’s scoring.
“I am really pleased with how we played today,” said Vanderbilt head coach Scott Limbaugh. “I thought we played the par fives much better and eliminated the big numbers for the most part. It’s nice to have all five guys in there on a day like today and we were fortunate to have that. Obviously, Harry’s round gave our team a big lift, which we needed. I thought he played more aggressive today and putted really well. John was steady all day long and looks really good out there. He made a nice par save on the final hole to finish off a bogey-free round. Reid is playing good golf right now and he is doing a great job challenging himself to stay locked in. Will had a tough start to his round, but battled and continues to show why he is one of the best players in the country. Patrick didn’t get a lot out of his round, but he is playing good and he will be ready to go tomorrow.”
For the tournament, Gordon is the team’s leader after two rounds with a 5-under-par 135 (65-70), which ties him for fourth individually. Augenstein is next for the Commodores in a tie for 17th with a 2-under-par 138 total (71-67).
As a team, Vanderbilt trails leader Auburn by nine shots entering the final round Friday, and are eight shots ahead of the eight-team cutline for match play, which begins on Saturday.
Julian Perico of Arkansas and Graysen Huff of Auburn are tied for the individual lead with a 7-under-par 133 total.
“Things have to be done together this time of year and you cannot assume someone else will do your job for you,” said Limbaugh.
"As a player, you have to trust your preparation and draw on all your experiences when you get a little nervous. Being nervous is a good thing because it makes you better. We need to have all five guys in it again tomorrow, playing Vanderbilt Golf, and doing it together."Scott Limbaugh
The third and final round of stroke play of the SEC Championships concludes on Friday.
2. Vanderbilt – 277-273=550
T4. Will Gordon – 65-70=135
T17. John Augenstein – 71-67=138
T33. Harrison Ott – 76-65=141
T38. Patrick Martin – 69-73=142
T42. Reid Davenport – 72-71=143
