By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information

SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. – Beautiful weather and a solid start highlighted the first day of action for the Tennessee Tech men's golf team at the 11th Annual Bobby Nichols Intercollegiate Sunday afternoon, as the Golden Eagles played host to their annual tournament on the River Course at Sevierville Golf Club.

In-state rival Belmont topped the leaderboard after the first round of play among 15 teams while the purple and gold locked down a fifth-place showing. The Bruins posted a 2-under 282 while the Golden Eagles ended the day with a 297. Belmont's Michael Senn led all individuals following the first round, wrapping things up with a 3-under 68.

Sophomore Haden Maxwell led the way for the Cookeville crew, racking up four birdies on his way to a 2-over 71. He tallied a 73 to tie for 14th among 92 golfers in competition. 

Senior Sean Anderson tied for 23rd behind a round of 74, piling up 14 pars and a birdie along the way. Also tying for 23rd with a 74, fellow senior Mark McDearman registered three birdies for his first trip around the course.

Tying for 35th was sophomore Anders Larson, who carded a 76 with a pair of birdies and 10 pars. 

A trio of Golden Eagles tied for 57th on day one, starting with junior Jackson Skeen. He turned in a 78 with 11 pars to round out the Tech lineup. Competing as individuals, Alexander Bassel and Alex Broyes also produced scores of 78, with Bassel earning a birdie and Broyles compiling 13 pars.

Also competing as an individual was Avery Irwin, who tied for 68th behind a 79 and a birdie. 

Round two of the Bobby Nichols Intercollegiate will kick off with tee times off the first and 10th holes, starting at 7:30 a.m. CT.

File photo by Emily Armstrong