GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Vanderbilt men’s golf team finished the first 36 holes of play at the Gators Invitational in their opening tournament of the spring and are in second place with a two-round score of 565 (288-277). Freshman Matthew Riedel led the Commodore charge on Saturday with a total of even-par 140 (73-67), which places him in a tie for eighth in the individual standings.
Sophomore Reid Davenport is in a tie for 12th after carding a 1-over 141 (70-71), while two other Vanderbilt players, senior John Augenstein and junior Harrison Ott, each ended the 36-hole day with a 2-over 142 and both are in a tie for 16th individually. Freshman William Moll fired a 146 (75-71) on Saturday and is in a tie for 39th.
“It was good first day of the spring I thought,” said Vanderbilt head coach Scott Limbaugh. “We competed with the right kind of character which is what we want to see. Matthew played great this afternoon and it was good to see him do that because he’s been taking good steps. John also played well this afternoon and I know he’s excited for another chance to compete tomorrow. Reid and Harry did a good job being patient all day and both were solid all day long.”
Vanderbilt trails team leader Florida by 10 shots heading into the final round of the event on Sunday and have a five shot advantage on third-place West Virginia.
The Gators’ Ricky Castillo leads all individuals with a 7-under 133 (70-63), one shot better than West Virginia’s Logan Perkins.
“Tomorrow is an important day for us and also a great opportunity to take another step forward,” said Limbaugh. “We need to be excited about that and continue to form the right habits that will help us down the road. That’s done by learning from our experiences, handling adversity, and focusing on the right things.”
The final 18 holes of the tournament will take place on Sunday. Vanderbilt will play with Florida and West Virginia beginning at 8:30 a.m. CT at the Mark Bostick Golf Course.
2. Vanderbilt – 288-277=565
T8. Matthew Riedel – 73-67=140
T12. Reid Davenport – 70-71=141
T16. John Augenstein – 73-69=142
T16. Harrison Ott – 72-70=142
T39. William Moll – 75-71=146
