GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The Vanderbilt men’s golf team opened its spring season in solid fashion Saturday, ending the first and second rounds of the SunTrust Gator Invitational in fourth place on the team leader board with a score of 577 (293-284). Freshman Matthias Schwab paced the Commodore effort with a two-over par, 142 (71-71), which is good for a tie for sixth in the individual standings.
“I was really proud of how this group competed today,” said Vanderbilt head coach Scott Limbaugh. “It was really tough this morning and we got off to a rough start, but the guys were resilient. We finished the first round well and that carried over to a very solid afternoon round.”
Vanderbilt trails team leader Arkansas by seven strokes, second-place Mercer by four, and third-place Florida State by one.
Senior Charlie Ewing posted the team’s best round of the day with a second-round, 69, in route to a total of 144 (75-69). Junior Hunter Stewart (74-72) and sophomore Carson Jacobs (74-72) are in a tie for 21st with a score of 146, while junior Ben Fogler finished the first two rounds in a tie for 46th with a 150 (74-76).
“Obviously, Matthias was really solid all day after a tough start this morning,” said Limbaugh. “He continues to show why he is one of the best freshman in the country. Also, Charlie’s round this afternoon was a big lift for our team.”
Individually, Trey Rule of Mercer leads all participants with a three-under par, 137. Hank Lebioda of Florida State is two strokes behind in second place.
The third and final round concludes on Sunday at the Mark Bostick Golf Course.
“Tomorrow is a new day but we are not going to change who we are or what we have been doing,” said Limbaugh. “We are going to control the things we can control, play disciplined and compete like we know how to.”
4. Vanderbilt – 293-284=577
T6. Matthias Schwab – 71-71=142
T13. Charlie Ewing – 75-69=144
T21. Hunter Stewart – 74-72=146
T21. Carson Jacobs – 74-72=146
T46. Ben Fogler – 74-76=150
