Middle Tennesee State University Athletics
Saturday, March 13
Lake Oconee, GA
Middle Tennessee
at
Linger Longer Invitational
Raiders gain three spots on day two in Georgia
3/13/2021 3:12:00 PM | Men's Golf
McKay maintains top spot alongside Charlotte's Gough
EATONTON, Ga. – Middle Tennessee climbed three spots on the team leaderboard Saturday at the Linger Longer Invitational, but missed an opportunity to climb even further with some late miscues.
At 9-under thru 12 holes, the Blue Raiders had moved all the way into the Top 5 and were challenging for a move into the Top 3 but turned in a 1-under par 287 that saw them finish day two in seventh place at 7-over par (296-287=583) for the tournament.
The Connor McKay show rolled on in the second round as the Knoxville native fired a 3-under par 69 to move to 9-under par (66-69=135) on the week.
McKay held the top spot on the individual leaderboard when his round concluded while Charlotte's John Gough was lingering at 8-under with seven holes to play, but the reigning Conference USA Golfer of the Year managed only one more birdie on his final hole of the day to send the two into the final round sharing the lead and four strokes clear of any challengers.
Freshman Owen Stamper shaved five strokes off of his opening round to card a 1-under par 71 on Saturday while Michael Barnard also bounced back with a 1-over par 73 in round two.
Graduate student Tanner Owens was rolling early in the day, sitting at 6-under par thru 12 holes, but a dreadful finish turned his round into a disappointing 2-over par 74.
Gavin Clements rounded out the scoring for the five-man Raider lineup with a 4-over par 76 while Kevin Jegers posted an even par 72 in the individual spot.
"I was very happy with the bounce back rounds we got from both Owen and Mike," Head Coach Mark McEntire said. "Connor played another good round and Tanner had one going too, but his finish really hurt us today."
Sunday's third and final round begins at 7:30 a.m. CT with Middle Tennessee leading things off on the first tee box alongside Memphis and Mercer.
At 9-under thru 12 holes, the Blue Raiders had moved all the way into the Top 5 and were challenging for a move into the Top 3 but turned in a 1-under par 287 that saw them finish day two in seventh place at 7-over par (296-287=583) for the tournament.
The Connor McKay show rolled on in the second round as the Knoxville native fired a 3-under par 69 to move to 9-under par (66-69=135) on the week.
McKay held the top spot on the individual leaderboard when his round concluded while Charlotte's John Gough was lingering at 8-under with seven holes to play, but the reigning Conference USA Golfer of the Year managed only one more birdie on his final hole of the day to send the two into the final round sharing the lead and four strokes clear of any challengers.
Freshman Owen Stamper shaved five strokes off of his opening round to card a 1-under par 71 on Saturday while Michael Barnard also bounced back with a 1-over par 73 in round two.
Graduate student Tanner Owens was rolling early in the day, sitting at 6-under par thru 12 holes, but a dreadful finish turned his round into a disappointing 2-over par 74.
Gavin Clements rounded out the scoring for the five-man Raider lineup with a 4-over par 76 while Kevin Jegers posted an even par 72 in the individual spot.
"I was very happy with the bounce back rounds we got from both Owen and Mike," Head Coach Mark McEntire said. "Connor played another good round and Tanner had one going too, but his finish really hurt us today."
Sunday's third and final round begins at 7:30 a.m. CT with Middle Tennessee leading things off on the first tee box alongside Memphis and Mercer.
Players Mentioned
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/ Men's Golf
/ Men's Golf
/ Men's Golf
/ Men's Golf
/ Men's Golf
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