By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information
SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. – Fighting a lengthy delay due to rain and very wet playing conditions, the Tennessee Tech men's golf team still managed to complete the opening round of the 10th annual Bobby Nichols Intercollegiate Sunday afternoon.
The Golden Eagles endured a rough day of conditions on the course, finishing 11th among the 14 teams in competition at the team's annual event on the River Course of Sevierville Golf Club in Sevierville, Tenn. Tech posted a 301 to open play while Carson-Newman led the way with a 280.
Competing as an individual, Tech veteran Sean Anderson tied for the overall lead among the 90 golfers in the field, firing a 5-under 67 to match the output of Findlay's Justin Atkinson. The junior racked up a whopping seven birdies and nine pars to kick off the event.
Leading the purple and gold's lineup was rookie Anderson Larson, who carded a 2-under 70 to tie for 10th behind five birdies. Senior Bryce Beeler was next for the Golden Eagles on the leaderboard, tying for 48th with a 3-over 75 and two birdies.
Also tying for 48th while competing as an individual, senior Chance Taylor put forth his own 75 with an impressive 15 pars. Sophomore Jackson Skeen turned in a 77 with one birdie to tie for 66th with teammate Alexander Bassel, who produced his 77 with 14 pars while competing as an individual.
Rounding out the action on the first day were Haden Maxwell and Mark McDearman, each tying for 74th with scores of 79. Maxwell delivered 12 pars while McDearman constructed a pair of pars.
Tech will kick off Monday's second round with a shotgun start beginning at 10:30 a.m. CT.
| Top 5 Teams: | ||||||
| 1. | Carson-Newman | 280 | -8 | |||
| 2. | Walters State CC | 283 | -5 | |||
| T-3. | North Georgia | 287 | -1 | |||
| T-3. | Southern Indiana | 287 | -1 | |||
| T-3. | Findlay | 287 | -1 | |||
| 11. | Tennessee Tech | 301 | +13 | |||
| Leaderboard (90 Golfers) | ||||||
| T-1. | Sean Anderson* | 67 | -5 | |||
| T-1. | Justin Atkinson | 67 | -5 | |||
| T-10. | Anders Larson | 70 | -2 | |||
| T-48. | Bryce Beeler | 75 | +3 | |||
| T-48. | Chance Taylor* | 75 | +3 | |||
| T-66. | Jackson Skeen | 77 | +5 | |||
| T-66. | Alexander Bassel* | 77 | +5 | |||
| T-74. | Haden Maxwell | 79 | +7 | |||
| T-74. | Mark McDearman | 79 | +7 | |||
| *indicates competed as an individual | ||||||
Photo by Kaylee Bruton