By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. – It was a strong day at the links for the Tennessee Tech men's golf team Monday, as the Golden Eagles fired on all cylinders during the first two rounds of the Bash at the Beach at in Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Competing at The Surf Golf and Beach Club, the Golden Eagles turned in a 2-under 286 in the first round of action, tying for fifth place with Loyola-Chicago. Tech took it a step further for round two, producing an 8-under 280, the team's lowest round since last spring, to finish the day at 566 overall and tied for second place among the 15 teams competing with Ohio Valley Conference rival Jacksonville State.
UNCW led all teams through the first day of competition, displaying scores of 279 and 280 to sit at 559 overall heading into the final day, seven-shot ahead of the Golden Eagles.
Leading the purple and gold throughout the day were junior Bracton Womack and sophomore Chance Taylor, each carding scores of 141 to tie for ninth. Womack started the day with a 2-over 74, but used his lessons from round one to turn in the best score for round two among the Golden Eagles. He fired a 5-under 67, his lowest single round of the year.
Taylor posted a 1-over 73 in his first go around the course, but much like his teammate, erupted for a huge second-round. The youngster served up a 4-under 68, setting a new career-low 18-hole score.
Just a single shot behind his fellow Golden Eagles was freshman Nick Sutton, tying for 15th among the 105 participants. The rookie paced the Tech squad through round one, turning in a 2-under 70. He followed it up with an even-par 72 to come in at 142 for the day.
Not far behind was fellow freshman Bryce Beeler and his two-round total of 144. While tying for 26th, Beeler captured scores of 1-under 71 and 1-over 73 to sit even overall heading into the third and final round. Junior Will Brooks rounded out the Tech lineup by tying for 50th with scores of 72 and 75 for a 147 total.
Jesus Montenegro of Jacksonville State led all individuals in the tournament through the first rounds, carding scores of 66 and 71 for a 137.
The third and final round of action is slated for an 8:00 a.m. CT shotgun start Tuesday morning.
Photo by Thomas Corhern
