Middle Tennessee State University Athletics
Middle Tennessee
Schenkel Invitational
Middle Tennesse in fifth after day one in South Georgia; A pair of Blue Raiders in the top 25
3/21/2025 7:41:00 PM | Men's Golf
STATESBORO, Ga. – The Blue Raiders fired a 2-under-par 290 on Friday to sit in fifth place after the opening day of the 45th Annual Schenkel Invitational at Forest Heights Country Club. Junior Luke Perkins paced MTSU with a 2-under-par 70 and is tied for 10th in the individual standings.
Host institution Georgia Southern is atop the leaderboard after posting a round of 10-under-par 278 on Friday. Florida is second at 7-under-par 281, while Kentucky is third at 3-under-par 285 and Utah is fourth at even-par 288.
Florida's Luke Poulter leads the individual standings after firing an opening-round 5-under-par 67. He was followed by UAB's Paul Bruce at 4-under-par 68 and seven individuals at 3-under-par 69.
The Schenkel Invitational continues with 18 holes on Saturday, Mar. 22, and concludes with a final round on Sunday, Mar. 23. Saturday's second round will begin at 8:45 a.m. CT. The Blue Raiders will be paired with Utah and Notre Dame.
The Lineup
• Junior Luke Perkins paced the Blue Raiders with an opening round of 2-under-par 70. Perkins carded five birdies on the day, including a trio of birdies to conclude the front nine.
• Senior JJ ZImmer carded an opening round of even-par 72 and is tied for 23rd after day one in Statesboro.
• Redshirt junior Markus Varjun posted a 1-over-par 73 and is tied for 32nd.
• Freshman Thad Whitfield fired a 3-over-par 75 to sit tied for 49th, while redshirt sophomore Jake Hopper rounded out the Blue Raiders with a 4-over-par 76 to sit tied for 58th.
Coach's Comments: Mark McEntire
"I'm really happy with the start today," said Head Coach Mark McEntire. "Luke put together a great round. I feel like we left a few shots out there and we will look to improve on that tomorrow."
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