Tech men's golf team off to fast start at OVC Championships, third after day one

By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information

MUSCLE SHOALS, Ala. – The Tennessee Tech men's golf team got off to a fast start at the Ohio Valley Conference Championships Sunday afternoon, wrapping up the first round of action at the Fighting Joe Course at the Shoals in third place.

The Golden Eagles fired off a 3-under 285 to sit just two shots back of first-place SIUE and one back of second-place Belmont. Individually, it was a three-way tie at the top of the leaderboard with UT Martin's Jack Story, Morehead State's Joe Muschong and SIUE's Zakariya Butt all turning in a 4-under 68.

For the purple and gold, it was junior Bryce Beeler pacing the Cookeville crew with a 2-under 70 to tie for seventh among the 55 competitors. The Maryville, Tenn. native collected four birdies and the field's only eagle of the day to do his damage. 

Fresh off being named to the All-OVC and OVC All-Newcomer Teams, freshman Mark McDearman wrapped up his first taste of OVC Championship action tied for ninth overall. The rookie carded a 1-under 71 with four birdies.

Seniors Will Brooks and Bracton Womack finished just one stroke back of their rookie teammate, each posting scores of even-par to tie for 11th. Brooks, a Cookeville native, turned in a couple of birdies while leading the tournament with 14 pars through round one. A native of McMinnville, Tenn., Womack made birdie on a trio of holes while posting 13 pars.

Completing the Golden Eagle lineup was junior Chance Taylor, who tied for 21st with a 2-over 74. The Gate City, Va. native paced the field with a whopping seven birdies.

Round two of the OVC Championships is slated to begin with tee times starting at 8:00 a.m. CT. The Golden Eagles will kick off their day at 10:20 a.m.

Photo by Kevin Britton, EKU Athletics