SEA ISLAND, Ga. – The fifth-ranked Vanderbilt men’s golf team got off to a solid start on Friday in the first round of the SEC Championship In Sea Island, Ga., posting a team total of four-under par, 276, which puts them in fifth place on the leaderboard after day one. Freshman Theo Humphrey led the way for the Commodores in the first round, registering a two-under 68 in his first time around the par-70, 7,005-yard Sea Island Golf Club’s Seaside Course.
Vanderbilt also counted a pair of 69s from juniors Zack Jaworski and Carson Jacobs, and a pair of 70’s from senior Hunter Stewart and Matthias Schwab. On the day, the Commodores tallied 21 birdies, which was a tournament-best in the first round.
“I am really proud of how the first three guys hung in there all day and all finished strong,” said Vanderbilt head coach Scott Limbaugh. “That was very big for our team and shows a lot about their competitive character. We had all five guys in it all day so that was nice.”
Vanderbilt trails third-place South Carolina and Auburn by one shot, and second-place LSU by two shots. Alabama leads all teams after posting an 11-under par, 269, on Friday, five shots better than LSU.
Individually, South Carolina’s Matthew NeSmith, Arkansas’ Kolton Crawford, and Alabama’s Robby Shelton are tied for the lead after each carded a five-under par, 67.
“I thought we had a solid start and I also know there are a lot of really good teams here,” said Limbaugh. “We are in a fine position after round one and we need to continue to be positive and excited about the opportunity we have, while also embracing that tomorrow is an important day.”
The 14-team features four of the nation’s top 25 teams, and eight teams in the top 40.
The second round of the tournament continues Saturday from Sea Island. Vanderbilt will tee off at 8:20 ET and be paired with South Carolina and Arkansas.
