By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information
JACKSON, Tenn. – The Tennessee Tech men's golf team put itself in the driver's seat of the Grover Page Classic Monday afternoon, ranking at the top of the leaderboard through the first two rounds of action at Jackson Country Club.
Competing in a field of 10 teams, the Golden Eagles soared to the top following the first 18 holes, carding a 294 to take a two-stroke lead over host and Ohio Valley Conference rival UT Martin into the second half of the day. Tech extended its lead to four shots after round two, firing a 293 for a collective score of 587 for the day.
Leading the charge for the Golden Eagles was sophomore Bracton Womack, who wrapped up the first 36 holes of the 54-hole event in first place among the 65 participants. Thanks to a tournament-field-leading nine birdies, Womack turned in scores of 72 and 71 to control his destiny with a 1-under 143.
Right behind his teammate was junior Dabney Dickenson, who led the field after round one. Competing as an individual, the long hitter captured a career-low 69 before posting a 76 in round two for a 145 overall. He ranked second among the field headed into the third and final round.
Ranking second among the Golden Eagle lineup and tied for seventh overall was junior Cameron Yeary. The Tech veteran rounded his day just 4-over through the first two rounds, racking up a 148 (76-72). Also tied for seventh was fellow vet Matthew Giles, who also carded a 148. The senior penciled in matching scores of 74 in each of the first two rounds.
Sophomore Will Brooks and freshman Bryce Beeler rounded out the Tech starters, tying for 13th among the field with scores of 150. Both golfers shot 74 over their first 18 holes and reacted the same with second-round totals of 76.
Joining Dickenson as individuals competing in the event were freshmen Cade Puryear and Chance Taylor. Tying for 30th on the day was Puryear, who shaved five strokes off of a first-round 80 for a 75 in the second round. His 155 ranked one shot ahead of Taylor's 156. Taylor tied for 34th after recording scores of 74 and 82.
Tech will look to claim its first tournament title since winning the Big Blue Intercollegiate in 2015, heading into the final round of action with a four-stroke lead over UT Martin. Team are set to tee off in a shotgun start on Tuesday at 8:45 a.m. CT.
Photo by Jake Rogers, UT Martin Sports Information