By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information
MADISON, Ill. – Two rounds are officially in the books at the Derek Dolenc Invitational as the Tennessee Tech men's golf team wrapped up the first day of play at the Gateway Golf Links in tie for seventh place overall in the field of 15.
After posting a 288 as a squad in the first round, Tech rolled out a 282 over the final 18 holes of the day, finishing at 570 overall and tied with Ohio Valley Conference rival UT Martin. Host SIUE finished at the top of the leaderboard after day one, posting a 272-281=553.
Sophomore A.J. Wilkerson enjoyed the best two rounds of his young career, carding matching 68s over the first 36 holes for a 136. Leading the Golden Eagles on day one, he finished in a tie for third place among the 88 golfers with just 18 holes left to play.
Next among the Tech finishers was senior Mitch Thomas, who tied for 36th overall after totaling a 146. He tallied a 77 in the first round before shaving down eight strokes for a second-round 69.
Fellow seniors Bryce Kendrick and Neil Gannaway each tied for 42nd in the event, finishing with scores of 147. Kendrick connected for a 76 over the first 18 holes before trimming it down for a 71 in the second round. Gannaway notched a career-low 69 in the first round and rounded the day with a 78.
Wrapping up play for Tech on Monday was Cookeville native Adam Cunningham. The senior carded 75-74=149 on the first day, tying for 58th overall.
The Golden Eagles will wrap up play at the Derek Dolenc Invitational Tuesday morning with an 8 a.m. CT shotgun start.
Photo by Dave Winder, Murray State Sports Information