By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information Coordinator

HILTON HEAD, S.C. – The Tennessee Tech men's golf team saw an early end to its time in Hilton Head, S.C. Tuesday afternoon, as poor weather and playing conditions forced the Wexford Plantation Intercollegiate to conclude prematurely.

The second round was suspended because of darkness on Monday. With winter weather affecting play and travel plans, the decision was made to finish round two on Tuesday and shorten the event to 36 holes. The Golden Eagles finished the event 17^th overall after a second-round 309 and total score of 624 over two days.

Senior Lee Whitehead narrowly missed a top 10 finish for the event, settling for a tie for 12^th after recording a 74 over his final 18 holes. The wiley veteran wrapped up his two days with a total of 147 after a first-day score of 73.

Juniors Bryce Kendrick and Mitch Thomas took the next two stops on the rankings for Tech, tying for 49^th and 69^th, respectively. Kendrick recovered nicely after a first-round 83, rallying on Tuesday for a team-low score of 72 and a final of 155. Thomas rounded out his tournament with a final two-day card of 79+80=159.

Mason Griffin played consistently in South Carolina, carding a second-round 83 to pair with his 82 over the first 18 holes. He finished 87^th overall. Freshman Alexander Riddle rounded out the scoring for Tech with a line of 81+88=169 to finish 92^nd overall.

The Golden Eagles squad will receive a week away from the links before returning on Monday, March 9 at the Grover Page Classic. Tech will head to the familiar town of Martin, Tenn. for the event hosted by UT Martin from March 9-10. The team will then play host to the third annual Bobby Nichols Intercollegiate the following week.

Photo by Rob Schabert