GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The Vanderbilt men’s golf team carded the low round of the day in the second of two rounds on Saturday and hold the second-round lead at the Gator Invitational in Gainesville, Fla. with a two-round score of 557 (282-275). The Commodores have a five-shot lead over second-place Campbell heading into the final round of play on Sunday.
The Commodores were led by senior Will Gordon, who is tied with the individual lead with North Florida’s Phillip Knowles after carding a two-round total of 133 (70-63) on the day. Gordon’s second-round included seven birdies and an eagle, with the senior posting a four-under par total on the last three holes. Gordon and Knowles each have a two-shot lead on the rest of the field.
Fellow senior Patrick Martin also had a stellar day around the Mark Bostick Golf Course, finishing his two rounds with a score of 139 (69-70), which ties him for sixth on the individual leader board. Other Commodore scores on Saturday included a 142 from junior John Augenstein (70-72, T-20), a 143 from sophomore Harrison Ott (73-70, T-30), and a 145 from freshman Reid Davenport (73-72, T-42).
“It was really fun to be back out there competing today,” said Vanderbilt head coach Scott Limbaugh. “I thought we did some good things out there today and I thought the guys played with some discipline and showed some maturity. We probably weren’t as sharp as want to be, but it was a good first day of the spring season. Patrick played well all day and really finished his morning round well, which I thought was big for us. Gordo played awesome on that final nine holes late today and really lifted our team with that finish he had. I really saw a lot of positives from all of our guys today and also a lot of things we can do better, which is exciting.”
Vanderbilt led the field on Saturday in par-four scoring (3.99), par-five scoring (4.70), and total pars (122). Four Commodores, Patrick Martin (27), Reid Davenport (25), John Augenstein (25), and Harrison Ott (25), are in the top 15 in pars for the tournament, while Will Gordon is second in par-four scoring (3.75) and total birdies (10).
The third and final round of the Gator Invitational begins at 8:30 a.m. for the Commodores on Sunday morning.
“We have to go play tomorrow and not worry about protecting anything,” said Limbaugh. “I asked the guys to continue to put it all out there without knowing what we will get it return and let’s see what we can become. Tomorrow is our next opportunity and we need to be excited about it.”
1. Vanderbilt – 282-275=557
T1. Will Gordon – 70-63=133
T6. Patrick Martin – 69-70=139
T20. John Augenstein – 70-72=142
T30. Harrison Ott – 73-70=143
T42. Reid Davenport – 73-72=145
