University of Tennessee Athletics
University of Tennessee
NCAA Regional
Vols Seek Consistency at NCAA West Coast Regional
May 15, 2014 | Men's Golf
May 15, 2014
EUGENE, Ore. -- The Tennessee men's golf team looks to sharpen its play after an inconsistent first day at the 2014 NCAA West Coast Regional. The Vols currently sit in 12th place after a first round total of 299 (+19).
"Today was rough. We really struggled to get anything going," head coach Jim Kelson said. "We just have to regroup and finish with two solid rounds."
On Thursday, the Vols took a metaphorical roller coaster ride through the Eugene Country Club. Although beautiful, the Oregon home course has been set up to be challenging. Only highly-ranked Stanford is under-par after day one.
UT's inconsistencies were illustrated in senior Danny Keddie's first round play. Keddie sank four birdies to lead the team. However, an eleven stroke ordeal on hole No. 5 negated Keddie's solid day. The Englishman finished with a total of 78 (+8).
After starting in only two tournaments this season, sophomore Michael Nagy was the bright spot for UT at the NCAA Regional. The native of Manistique, Mich., is tied for 14th place after carding a first round 71 (+1) that included three birdies on the back nine.
"I didn't get off to the best start, but I just tried to stay with it and didn't get discouraged," Nagy said. "I hit some solid shots and made a few birdie putts coming in to put up a decent score."
Amidst four bogeys and a double-bogey, sophomore Oliver Goss recovered to card a 73 (+3). The No. 10 ranked world amateur is tied for 30th place heading into the second round.
Senior Brandon Rodgers recorded the best hole of the day with an eagle on No. 13. However, the eagle proved to be the lone highlight for the native of Farragut, Tenn. Rodgers finished with a first round 77 (+7).
Freshman Jack Smith rounded out the Big Orange lineup with an 80 (+10). Smith registered four bogeys, a double-bogey and a quadruple-bogey.
There is reason for optimism heading into Friday. The Volunteers were in a similar position last season at the 2013 NCAA Regional. Playing from behind, UT stormed back on the final day to shoot a 288 (E) and make the NCAA Championship.
On Friday, Tennessee will tee off at its 8:55 a.m. local time (11:55 a.m. ET) from the 10th tee box. The Vols will be paired with ETSU and Wichita State.
For a full leaderboard rundown, Click Here.
Volunteer fans can continue to keep up with the team by following @Vol_Golf on Twitter.
| TEAM SCORES (Through One Round) | ||
| 1. | Stanford | 276 (-4) |
| 2. | Oklahoma | 280 (E) |
| T-3. | South Carolina | 286 (+6) |
| T-3. | North Florida | 286 (+6) |
| 5. | Oregon | 289 (+9) |
| 6. | Houston | 290 (+10) |
| 7. | Baylor | 294 (+14) |
| T-8. | Chattanooga | 295 (+15) |
| T-8. | Liberty | 295 (+15) |
| T-8. | Wichita State | 295 (+15) |
| 11. | ETSU | 296 (+16) |
| 12. | Tennessee | 299 (+19) |
| 13. | Northern Colorado | 307 (+27) |
| INDIVIDUAL LEADERS (Through One Round) | ||
| 1. | Patrick Rodgers, Stanford | 66 (-4) |
| T-2. | Chris Robb, Chattanooga | 67 (-3) |
| T-2. | Kyle Westmoreland, Air Force | 67 (-3) |
| UT SCORES (Through One Round) | ||
| T-14. | Mike Nagy | 71 (+1) |
| T-30. | Oliver Goss | 73 (+3) |
| T-60. | Brandon Rodgers | 77 (+7) |
| 63. | Danny Keddie | 78 (+8) |
| T-68. | Jack Smith | 80 (+10) |
