Middle Tennessee State University Athletics

Barnard leads the way to open Mason Rudolph Championship
4/10/2023 5:32:00 PM | Men's Golf
FRANKLIN, Tenn. — Michael Barnard was 3-under as Middle Tennessee men's golf finished the first day of the Mason Rudolph Championship tied for sixth at Vanderbilt Legends Club. Barnard's 68 on the par-71 South Course put him in a tie for third after 18 holes, two strokes off the individual lead.
On a day with impeccable weather - temperatures reaching the 70s with no more than a light breeze - the Blue Raiders scored a collective 287 (+3), ahead of No. 20 Ole Miss and behind four top-50 teams.
Barnard carded five birdies on the day, not writing down a hole over par on the front nine. He birdied three of four holes between 11 and 14 to put himself within striking distance of the lead.
Markus Varjun ended the day tied for 28th at 72 (+1). He started his day with a birdie on hole 1 and made birdie on three of his final seven holes of the day.
Kevin Jegers was 3-over through three holes, but bounced back to go 1-under over his final 15. He enters the second round tied for 39th at 73 (+2).
Gavin Clements is tied for 55th at 74 (+3). Owen Stamper rounds out the lineup in 64th at 76 (+5).
The Blue Raiders are one stroke out of the top five and seven strokes behind second place.
By the Numbers
5 – Barnard is one off the individual lead with five birdies.
+3 – The Blue Raiders are 3-over on par 3 holes, one stroke off the best mark on those holes.
2 – Stamper's round did not count for just the second time this season.
Coach's Comments: Mark McEntire
"I thought we managed a good score today without our best stuff. Michael played a fantastic round of golf, and I'm proud of his bounce back. Goal tomorrow is to have everyone improve and move up that board."
Tournament Notes
Follow the Blue Raiders
Follow Middle Tennessee Men's Golf on social media on Facebook /MTMGolf Twitter (@MT_MGolf) and Instagram (@mt_mgolf).
On a day with impeccable weather - temperatures reaching the 70s with no more than a light breeze - the Blue Raiders scored a collective 287 (+3), ahead of No. 20 Ole Miss and behind four top-50 teams.
Barnard carded five birdies on the day, not writing down a hole over par on the front nine. He birdied three of four holes between 11 and 14 to put himself within striking distance of the lead.
Markus Varjun ended the day tied for 28th at 72 (+1). He started his day with a birdie on hole 1 and made birdie on three of his final seven holes of the day.
Kevin Jegers was 3-over through three holes, but bounced back to go 1-under over his final 15. He enters the second round tied for 39th at 73 (+2).
Gavin Clements is tied for 55th at 74 (+3). Owen Stamper rounds out the lineup in 64th at 76 (+5).
The Blue Raiders are one stroke out of the top five and seven strokes behind second place.
By the Numbers
5 – Barnard is one off the individual lead with five birdies.
+3 – The Blue Raiders are 3-over on par 3 holes, one stroke off the best mark on those holes.
2 – Stamper's round did not count for just the second time this season.
Coach's Comments: Mark McEntire
"I thought we managed a good score today without our best stuff. Michael played a fantastic round of golf, and I'm proud of his bounce back. Goal tomorrow is to have everyone improve and move up that board."
Tournament Notes
- Playing on their home course, No. 1 Vanderbilt leads the tournament at 274 (-10).
- Vandy's Gordon Sargent, fresh off an appearance in The Master's, leads the field at 66 (-5).
- Tee times for the second round begin at 7:30 a.m.
Follow the Blue Raiders
Follow Middle Tennessee Men's Golf on social media on Facebook /MTMGolf Twitter (@MT_MGolf) and Instagram (@mt_mgolf).
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