GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The Commodores’ men’s golf team carded a 36-hole total of two-under par, 558 (278-280) on the opening day of the SunTrust Gator Invitational and are in fourth place on the team leader board heading into the final round on Sunday in Gainesville, Fla. Vanderbilt freshman Will Gordon was the team’s best finisher on the day, shooting consecutive 68s to card a 136, which is good for a tie for 5th amongst all individuals.
Vanderbilt trails leader Florida by eight shots heading into the final round. The Gators hold a one shot lead on South Florida and a two shot lead on Jacksonville.
Individually, Martin led three players in the top 20, with fellow freshman Will Gordon also ending the day with an even-par, 140 (71-69), which has him in a tie for 15th. Junior Matthias Schwab is in a tie for 18th with a one-over, 141 (68-73). Other Commodore finishers on the day include sophomore Theo Humphrey with a 142 (71-71, T-26) and senior Zack Jaworski with a 146 (74-72, T-50).
“Patrick was really good today,” said Vanderbilt head coach Scott Limbaugh. “He had control of his game from the start and we needed him to play well and he responded. Will hung in there and stayed positive and the way he finished helps give our team some momentum for the next day. Tomorrow will be an opportunity for us to grow some more as a team. It is going to take everyone doing their job and playing Vanderbilt golf. Each guy needs to embrace that and try to be a little better tomorrow than we were today.”
Martin trails individual leader Sam Horsfield of the host Gators by five shots, and is two shots back of fourth-place Chrostobal Del Solar of Florida State.
“I am extremely proud of the competitive character that the guys showed today,” said Vanderbilt head coach Scott Limbaugh. “I mean for the first day out this spring they really stayed the course and remained patient. We aren’t where we want to be physically yet, but that’s just a part of the climb. We want to be thrown into tough situations and see how we respond as a group. That’s how you grow and get better.”
The final round of the Commodores’ first spring tournament of the season concludes on Sunday.
4. Vanderbilt – 278-280=558
T5. Patrick Martin – 68-68=136
T15. Will Gordon – 71-69=140
T18. Matthias Schwab – 68-73=141
T26. Theo Humphrey – 71-71=142
T50. Zack Jaworski – 74-72=146
