Barnard ties Blue Raiders' low round to open NCAA Salem Regional

Monday, May 15

Salem, S.C.

Middle Tennessee

NCAA Salem Regional

5/15/2023 2:52:00 PM | Men's Golf

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By: Thomas Donley, MT Athletics

SALEM, S.C. — Six birdies and twelve pars propelled Michael Barnard into the top 10 after one round at the NCAA Salem Regional on Monday. The Hendersonville, Tenn., native was one of three Middle Tennessee golfers under par in the first round as the Blue Raiders ended the day tied for ninth at 283 (-5), five strokes out of the top five.

MTSU was 11-under collectively on the back nine after starting on hole 10. While the Blue Raiders combined for nine birdies on the front nine, they were a combined 13-over across their final nine holes. MTSU finished the day with 24 birdies, four shy of the lead.

Barnard ended the day tied for sixth individually, three strokes off the lead. His score of 66 (-6) equaled the lowest round by a Blue Raider on the season and was one stroke shy of his career best..

Owen Stamper carded a 70 (-2) Monday, picking up six birdies and an eagle. He recorded his 18th round of par or better on the season, ending the day tied for 27th.

Kevin Jegers wrapped up the round at 71 (-1), tied for 33rd. After starting on the back nine, he was 5-under through 12 holes before stumbling on holes 4-8, but he finished strong with a birdie on the ninth hole.

Gavin Clements is tied for 65th at 76 (+4). Markus Varjun rounds out the lineup at 79 (+7), tied for 74th.

The Blue Raiders are in a three-way tie with Furman and Purdue, one stroke ahead of No. 23 San Diego State. The top five teams advance to the NCAA Championship.

By the Numbers
3 – Barnard was one of three players in the first round without a single hole over par Monday.
15 – Barnard's 66 tied the 15th-lowest round in program history.
283 – MTSU's collective score of 283 was its lowest team round in an NCAA Tournament since 2018.

Coach's Comments: Mark McEntire
"Great start for Michael Barnard! A bogey-free 66 is really good, and we needed that round. We really had it in position and made a few mistakes coming in. We are still playing really good golf, and I love this team!"

Tournament Notes

Arkansas leads the field at 266 (-22), six strokes ahead of second-place New Mexico.
North Carolina's Ryan Burnett leads the individual field with a score of 63 (-9).
Tuesday's second round starts with tee times starting at 7 a.m. CT.

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