KINGSTON SPRINGS, Tenn. – The Vanderbilt men’s golf team carded a 36-hole total of 567 (279-288) in the first two rounds of the DICK’s Collegiate Challenge Cup and are in second place on the team leaderboard after Friday’s play at the Golf Club of Tennessee. Commodore junior Matthias Schwab paced the team’s effort on Friday, shooting a two-under par, 140 (69-71), and finds himself in a tie for eighth individually heading into the final round of stroke play Saturday.
The Commodores finished the day as the SEC’s top finishing team and trails team leader Virginia by six shots. This weekend’s field includes seven of the top 25 teams in the nation.
“I thought overall we played solid today,” said Vanderbilt head coach Scott Limbaugh. “We had all five guys in it and competing well all day long and that’s what it takes to have a good team. The guys showed a lot of resiliency this afternoon after a slow start to round two, and that’s certainly a positive.”
Other scores for Vanderbilt on Friday included a pair of 142’s from senior Zack Jaworski and freshman Patrick Martin, who are each tied for 16th, a 145 from senior Spencer Ciesla (T-29), and a 147 from freshman Will Gordon (-T-39).
Robby Shelton of Alabama leads all individuals after posting a pair of 67’s Friday, and holds a three-stroke lead on Hank Lebioda of Florida State.
“Our message is going to stay the same,” said Limbaugh. “Tomorrow is another opportunity for this team to compete and it’s another step on the ladder. We look forward to controlling what we can control and doing the little things right.”
The final round of stroke play concludes Saturday morning, with the Commodores teeing off at 9:50 with Duke and Virginia. After Saturday’s 18-hole round, the SEC and ACC teams will be seeded and then will take part in a match play format on Sunday.
2. Vanderbilt – 279-288=567
T8. Matthias Schwab – 69-71=140
T16. Zack Jaworski – 71-71=142
T16. Patrick Martin – 68-74=142
T29. Spencer Ciesla – 71-74=145
39. Will Gordon – 75-72=147
