Golden Eagles one stroke back of lead at Grover Page Classic

Golden Eagles one stroke back of lead at Grover Page Classic

By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information

JACKSON, Tenn. – The Tennessee Tech men's golf team put itself in contention for a tournament title Monday afternoon, securing a second-place ranking among 10 programs competing at the Grover Page Classic at Jackson Country Club.

The Golden Eagles fired off rounds of 295 and 294 on the first day of action, sitting just a single stroke back of Delta State for the top spot. Tech's 589 total score also provided a three-stroke buffer over host and Ohio Valley Conference rival UT Martin.

Leading the way for the Golden Eagle squad was freshman Bracton Womack, who ranked in a tie for second place after carding a 73-69=142. The rookie sat just a single stroke back of Delta State's Zack Zedikar for the overall lead in the event.

Also boasting a top-five ranking through two rounds was junior Matthew Giles. The veteran turned in scores of 69 and 74 for a 143 total to rank fourth among the 60 participants. Freshman Will Brooks finished the first day just a few strokes back, posting a 149 after rounds of 76 and 73. He ranked tied for 12th.

Next among the Tech lineup was sophomore Dabney Dickenson, who tied for 33rd after shooting matching 78s in both rounds of action. Senior A.J. Wilkerson rounded out the Tech starters, tying for 45th with rounds of 77 and 83 for a 160 overall.

Playing as an individual, fellow senior Alexander Riddle found himself smack dab in the middle of contention for individual medalist, tying his teammate, Womack, for second place. The four-year Golden Eagle matched the rookie in each round, boasting scores of 73 and 69 for a final score of 142 through 36 holes.

Also participating as an individual, sophomore Cameron Yeary finished the day with scores of 82 and 76 to tie for 49th with a total of 158.

The Golden Eagles will look to claim their first tournament championship since winning the Big Blue Intercollegiate in the Spring of 2015, kicking off round three action Tuesday morning at 9:30 a.m. CT. The start was delayed one hour due to a frost warning.

Photo by Jake Rogers, UT Martin Sports Information