March 13, 2015

Results

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The eighth-ranked South Carolina men’s golf team posted an opening-round 285 (-3) at the Seminole Intercollegiate on Friday at Southwood Golf Club.

The Gamecocks, who have won a school-record three straight tournaments, wrapped up the day in a tie for sixth place and are nine shots off the lead. East Tennessee State is the tournament leader after shooting a 12-under 276.

Continuing his outstanding play, junior Will Starke fired a 4-under 68 to lead the way as he finished the day in a tie for third. He has now shot in the 60s in 13 of his last 15 rounds, including six straight. Starke is five shots back of East Tennessee State’s Gudmundur Kristjansson, who leads the field after carding a 63 (-9). Starke, the reigning SEC Golfer of the Week, recorded just one bogey while tallying five birdies.

Juniors Matt NeSmith and Sean Kelly each carded an even-par 72 and are in a tie for 35th. NeSmith recorded two birdies and two bogeys on the day, while Kelly finished with four birdies and four bogeys.

Senior Will Murphy is in a tie for 45th after shooting a 1-over 73, and senior Caleb Sturgeon is tied for 64th after turning in a 75 (+3).

Louisville is in second place with a total of 281 (-7), followed by Mercer (282), No. 2 Florida State (284) and James Madison (284).

Round Changer
Starke led the way with his sixth-straight round in the 60s, shooting a 4-under 68 with just one bogey. The Gamecock junior is in a tie for third. He has recorded five top-five finishes already this season, which is tied for the second most in a single season in school history.

Notable
• As a team, the Gamecocks have shot under par in their last five rounds, including a 3-under 285 on Friday.
• The Gamecocks recorded 61 pars on the day, the second most in the field.
• Carolina is playing in its second tournament this week. The Gamecocks won the Palmetto Intercollegiate on Tuesday.
• Starke has shot in the 60s in in 13 of his last 15 rounds, including six straight.

Quotable
South Carolina head coach Bill McDonald
“We looked a little lethargic today but overall we played a pretty solid round. Will Starke played well again and he carried the day for us. If the calm conditions remain the same over the next two days, we are going to have to play a lot better to contend for this championship.”

Up Next
The Gamecocks will tee of in the second round on Saturday beginning at 9:20 a.m. and will be paired with James Madison and Florida State. Live scoring will be available at golfstatresults.com.