By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information
MADISON, Ill. – It was a highly productive day at the course Monday as the Tennessee Tech men's golf team built off a great first round for an even better second trip around Gateway National Golf links at the SIUE Derek Dolenc Invitational.
The Golden Eagles fired a 289 over the first 18 holes, ranking third among the relatively large group of 18 teams in contention. They then shaved two strokes off during the second round on the par-71, 7,092-yard course, turning in a 287 to move up to second place overall.
Fresh off leading the purple and gold at the EKU Intercollegiate a week ago, Cookeville native Will Brooks erupted for a first-round, 3-under 68. The junior followed it up with a 1-over 72 to sit in a tie for fifth place among the field of 99. With one round to play, he owned a 2-under 140.
Tying for 22nd overall were junior Bracton Womack and sophomore Bryce Beeler, both capturing 144s to sit 2-over. Womack carded a 74 in round one before scratching a 1-under 70 in his second go around the course. Beeler captured back-to-back rounds of 72 for his two-round total.
Next up for the purple and gold was senior Cameron Yeary, who tied for 40th after sporting a 148. The wiley veteran shot a 75 over his first 18 holes, then improved by a couple shots for a 73 in round two. Rounding out the Tech lineup, sophomore Chance Taylor finished with a 76 and 78 for a 154 overall.
Competing as an individual, rookie Nick Sutton shot a 76 in his first experience in Madison. He showed strong improvement in round two, shaving five strokes for an even-par 71 to finish the day at 147 and in a tie for 32nd.
It was in-state and Ohio Valley Conference rival UT Martin who led the way after day one of action, ripping off a 5-under 563. The Skyhawks were led by Tate Chumley, who tied for first individually with Southern Utah's Jake Vincent. Both players boasted 5-under 137s over the first two rounds.
The third and final round of the Derek Dolenc Invitational is set to kick off Tuesday morning with an 8:15 a.m. CT shotgun start.
| Top 5 Teams: | ||||||
| 1. | UT Martin | 563 | -5 | |||
| 2. | Tennessee Tech | 576 | +8 | |||
| 3. | Belmont | 577 | +9 | |||
| 4. | Creighton | 580 | +12 | |||
| 5. | Missouri State | 582 | +14 | |||
| Leaderboard (99 Golfers) | ||||||
| T1. | Tate Chumley (UT Martin) | 69-68=137 | -5 | |||
| T1. | Jake Vincent (Southern Utah) | 72-65=137 | -5 | |||
| T5. | Will Brooks | 68-72=140 | -2 | |||
| T22. | Bryce Beeler | 72-72=144 | +2 | |||
| T22. | Bracton Womack | 74-70=144 | +2 | |||
| T32. | Nick Sutton* | 76-71=147 | +5 | |||
| T40. | Cameron Yeary | 75-73=148 | +6 | |||
| T72. | Chance Taylor | 76-78=154 | +12 | |||
Photo by Carla Hazelwood