Oct. 29, 2011

Greensboro, N.C. – The South Carolina men’s golf team posted a 291 (+3) on Saturday to take the first-round lead at the Bridgestone Golf Collegiate at Forest Oaks Country Club.

The Gamecocks are three shots ahead of both Virginia Tech (294) and North Carolina (294) heading into Sunday’s final round.

South Carolina had to overcome tough playing conditions after heavy rain passed through the Greensboro area on Friday, shortening the tournament to 36 holes. Gamecock head coach Bill McDonald was pleased with the way his team handled the conditions.

“I’m really proud of the guys,” McDonald said. “They fought their tails off in some very tough conditions. Sunday will be a great Test for them as well. It’s nice having the lead, but there are a lot of strong teams right behind us.”

The Gamecocks have three golfers in the top 10 heading into Sunday led by junior Dykes Harbin and freshman Will Murphy, who is making his first career appearance. Harbin and Murphy each carded a 1-under 71 to end the round in a tie for third. Both Harbin and Murphy recorded four birdies, three bogeys and 11 pars on the day.

Senior Wesley Bryan carded an even-par 72 for Carolina to tie for ninth. Bryan was 1-over heading into his final hole but he recorded a birdie on the 14th to move to even par heading into the clubhouse.

Freshman Sean Kelly and sophomore Blaine Woodruff turned in rounds of 77 (+5) and 79 (+7), respectively, for the Gamecocks.

North Carolina’s Patrick Barrett and North Carolina State’s Albin Choi are tied atop the leaderboard after each posting a 2-under 70 on Saturday.

South Carolina is paired with Virginia Tech and North Carolina for Sunday’s final round and will begin play with a shotgun start at 10 a.m. Live scoring is available at golfstatresults.com.

SOUTH CAROLINA RESULTS
T3. Dykes Harbin 71
T3. Will Murphy 71
T9. Wesley Bryan 72
T60. Sean Kelly 77
T72. Blaine Woodruff 79

TEAM STANDINGS
1. South Carolina 291
T2. North Carolina 294
T2. Virginia Tech 294
4. Mississippi State 295
5. UNCG 296
T6. Georgia State 297
T6. Iowa State 297
T6. North Carolina State 297
T6. 38 Purdue 297
10. Toledo 298
11. Michigan 299
T12. Kentucky 300
T12. Mississippi 300
14. Pepperdine 304
15. VCU 307