Clemson, SC – Clemson freshman Kyle Stanley shot an opening round 70 and stands in a tie for 29th position after the first round of the NCAA men's golf tournament at The Golden Horseshoe in Williamsburg, VA. The 72-hole tournament continues on Thursday on the par 70 course that is 6803 yards in length.
Stanley, the ACC Player of the Year in 2007, opened with a birdie on the first hole when he made a seven-foot putt on the par four hole. He made the turn in two-under par 33 after scoring a birdie three on the ninth hole. He hit a wedge to a foot from the cup.
But, Stanley made two bogeys and did not make a birdie on the inward nine to finish with his even par 70 score. He made a bogey on the 17th hole when he hit the ball into the woods and had to chip out sideways.
Still it was a strong round for the native of Gig Harbor, WA. The 70 was four shots better than the 74 he shot on the same course in the opening round of the Ping Preview back on October 2. He improved with rounds of 69 and 69 over the final two days of that tournament and finished 18th.
Overall, the round of 70 was Stanley's 18th this year at par or better and his 27th round at 75 or better out of his 28 total rounds this season. He is now eight under par for his 28 rounds this season.
Ron Grube, Stanford's number-five player, shot a six-under-par 64 and holds a two shot lead after the first round. Stanford also has the team lead by two shots over Coastal Carolina.
Fans can follow all of the NCAA men's golf tournament action on golfstat.com.