By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information

ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. – The Tennessee Tech men's golf team officially opened its spring campaign on Thursday, knocking out the first round of action at the Peoples Golf Championship, hosted by Western Carolina at Sea Palms Resort in St. Simons Island, Ga. 

The Golden Eagles completed the first of three rounds with a final score of 305, sitting just eight shots back of Ohio Valley Conference rival UT Martin. UNCG roared out to a nine-stroke lead over second-place Davidson, ripping off a 16-under 268. It was UNCG's Jake Lewis boasting the individual lead among the 119 golfers, firing an 8-under 63

The purple and gold saw a very balanced attack from its lineup, with each of the team's top three scorers, plus its individual, each piling up scores of 76 on the day. Junior Haden Maxwell turned in his score of 76 with one birdie to his name.

Sophomore Matthew Shull carded a pair of birdies as part of his first round of 76. Rookie Spencer Stuke matched the effort, racking up two birdies of his own for his 76. Competing as an individual but continuing the team's theme with a 76 was freshman Drew Bolton, who also turned in two birdies. 

Next among the Cookeville Crew, and just missing out on the tying for the team, sophomore Alex Broyles tallied a first round of 77. He completed the first trip around the links with one birdie to his name. Rounding out the Tech lineup, freshman Hil Thompson turned in two birdies on his way to a score of 79.

Friday's second round will open with split tee times set to begin at 7:30 a.m. CT.

File photo by Jim Dillon