By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information
MADISON, Ill. – For the first time in the 2018 fall campaign, the Tennessee Tech men's golf team played multiple rounds in the same day and got better as the day progressed, finishing the first day of the Derek Dolenc Invitational in fifth place.
Competing against 16 other teams at Gateway National Golf Links, the Golden Eagles concluded the first day of action with a 576 (290-284), sitting just three strokes back of UT Martin for fourth place and 10 shots behind the leader, host SIUE.
Bracton Womack was the leader in the clubhouse for the Tech squad, tying for 14th overall among the 95 participants. The sophomore turned in a 143 (73-70), finishing 1-over for the day.
A pair of rookies led the way early for the Golden Eagles, as Chance Taylor and Bryce Beeler, each competing in their first collegiate event, tied for the team lead with first-round total of 71. Taylor followed it up with a 73 to finish the day 2-over and in a tie for 18th with a 144 (71-73).
Beeler carded a 148 (71-77) through the first two rounds, tying for 39th overall with teammate Cameron Yeary. After struggling a touch in round one, Yeary came to life, firing the second-lowest score of his career. The junior posted a 2-under 69 in the second round, finishing at 148 (79-69) to tie Beeler.
Completing the Tech lineup on Monday was sophomore Will Brooks, who tied for 45th after carding a 149 (75-74).
Leading all golfers on the first day was SIUE's Kyle Slattery, who posted a 136 (71-65) after a monster second round.
The third and final round of play is schedule to kick off on Tuesday morning with a shotgun start at 8:15 a.m. CT.
Photo by Dave Winder, Murray State Media Relations