Middle Tennesee State University Athletics
Middle Tennessee
Pat Hicks Invitational
Middle Tennessee in the lead after one round at Pat Hicks Invitational
2/11/2022 5:17:00 PM | Men's Golf
Three Blue Raiders in the top 10 at the end of Day One
ST. GEORGE, Utah – Middle Tennessee men's golf started its spring season strong Friday, finishing the first round of Southern Utah's Pat Hicks Invitational in first place at 276 (-12). Michael Barnard led a trio of Blue Raiders in the top 10 by finishing the first day of competition in a tie for fifth place.
Barnard carded a 68 (-4) for his sixth par or better round of the 2021-22 season, recording four birdies and two eagles. The Hendersonville, Tenn., native bounced back from a double bogey on his second hole of the day, finishing his round with birdies on three of his final four holes.
Kevin Jegers and Nick Wolf ended the round tied for eighth at 69 (-3). Jegers rang up six birdies en route to his second-lowest round of the season. Wolf tied his own second-lowest round of the season, birdieing six holes of his own.
Newcomer Jack Heath started his Blue Raider career with a score of 70 (-2), good for 11th place. The transfer from San Diego State recorded his first of four birdies on his first hole of the day. Heath added two eagles as well.
Owen Stamper rounded out the MT lineup in a tie for 25th at 73 (+1). Playing as individuals, Mattias Varjun tied for 25th at 73 (+1), and Gavin Clements tied for 48th at 75 (+3).
The Blue Raiders are seven strokes ahead of second-place Sacramento State heading into Saturday's second round. Their team round of 276 (-12) equals the 15th-lowest 18-hole score in program history.
Barnard is three strokes off the lead with two rounds left to play.
HEAD COACH MARK MCENTIRE ON THE TEAM'S START TO THE SPRING
"I'm happy with the start for the guys today," McEntire said. "Mike Barnard had a very good round. He has done some good work over the break, and I'm glad to see him get some results. Kevin and Nick gave us solid play as well. Jack Heath had a good first round as a Blue Raider. We're excited to get back out there for another round tomorrow on moving day!"
UP NEXT
The second round begins Saturday with a 10:30 a.m. CT shotgun start.
Players Mentioned
