SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Senior John Augenstein set the pace for the Vanderbilt men’s golf team on the first day of play with a first-round 63 to vault Vanderbilt into the team lead after 36 holes of play at the Desert Mountain Intercollegiate Saturday.
Augenstein leads all individuals with a two-round score of 133 (63-70) at the par-72, 7,107-yard Desert Mountain Outlaw Course.
Three Commodores, Augenstein, Harrison Ott and Reid Davenport, finished all 36 holes Saturday.
Augenstein’s first-round 63 featured an astounding nine birdies, including seven consecutive on holes 10-16, and no bogeys. The senior’s 63 is the second one of his career (2017 Carmel Cup, second round) and tied an all-time low for a single round by a Commodore, joining Luke List (2004 Hyatt/Dorado Beach Classic, second round), Hudson Johnson (2008 Kauai Collegiate Cup, third round) and Will Gordon, who carded four 63’s in his career.
Augenstein has a four-shot lead on the field after carding his 11-under 133. Ott, who led the Commodores at the Cabo Collegiate, is in fourth place individually, Matthew Riedel is in a tie for 12th, William Moll is in 15th and sophomore Davenport is in a tie for 16th.
“The morning round was really special,” Vanderbilt head coach Scott Limbaugh said. “Obviously, our team had it going, so it was fun to watch. John made seven birdies in a row which was great and played really flawlessly. Harry, Reid and William were all rock solid as well. It was a total team effort.
“The wind was blowing the last six or so holes of the morning, then blew hard all afternoon. We are battling in the second round with John and Harry finishing off solid rounds. Matthew and William have a hole left so it’s important to finish strong. It was a long day and we have to continue to learn to be able to stay focused during these moments because it’s a big part of forming great habits.”
The Commodores have a 12-stroke lead on second-place Mississippi State heading into the final round Sunday. As a team, Vanderbilt led the field in par-4 scoring, par-5 scoring and birdies, and individually, Augenstein led all players in par-3 scoring, par-4 scoring and birdies while Ott paced the field in par-5 scoring and was second behind Augenstein in total birdies.
“We have a great opportunity (Sunday) to finish off a good week,” Limbaugh said. “There are no free passes to the top. Everyone has to climb. It’s a great opportunity for us to take another good step on our climb and that can be done by focusing on the right things and trusting yourself and each other.”
The final round concludes Sunday.
1. Vanderbilt -17
1. John Augenstein – 63-70=133
4. Harrison Ott – 68-71-139
T12. Matthew Riedel – 72-+1 (17)
15. William Moll – 69-+5 (17)
T16. Reid Davenport – 68-79=147
