Oct. 23, 2007
Santa Clara Invitational Day One Results
SAN JOSE, Calif. - After making the long flight to the Golden State this weekend, the Kennesaw State men's golf team find themselves in 13th place following the first two rounds of play Monday at the Santa Clara Invitational. The event, hosted by Santa Clara University at the 6,868-yard, par-72 Silver Creek Valley Country Club is the Owls fourth of the season and their only trip out west on their fall schedule.
The effect of the long flight and late arrival was evident as the Owls struggled to find their momentum, posting a 309 in the first round. They shook off the rust and made some adaptations on the greens in the second round, improving their first round score by 14 strokes to fire a 295. Kennesaw State's two round total 604 has them just five strokes out of the top 10 and 18 strokes out of the top half of the field.
Michael Tulacz is once again leading the Owls, carding rounds of 74 and 71 to position himself in a tie for 14th at 145 heading into the final round. Tulacz is poised to make a move up the leaderboard in Tuesday's final round as he is just three strokes out of the top 10 and nine strokes behind the individual leader, Nick Delio of CSU-Northridge.
Christopher Hamm is KSU's second lowest scorer after two rounds, standing tied for 38th at 150. Hamm, who shot a disappointing 79 in the first round, came on strong in the second 18 to record the lowest round of his collegiate career with a 71.
Wesley Sheard tied Tulacz for the low round in the opening 18, firing a 74 before posting a second round 77 for a 151 total and a tie for 44th. Chris Johnson (82-77-159) finds himself in a tie for 69th while Alex Jones (84-76-160) stands alone in 72nd after 36 holes.
The Oklahoma Sooners (288-277), who came in as the favorites, are the team leaders heading into the final round after posting a 565. Portland (283-290-573) and the host Broncos (290-284-574) round out the top three after the first day of competition.
The Owls will look to make their third consecutive comeback in the final 18 holes after moving up the leaderboard on the final day at both the Mizuno Southbridge and the Brickyard. The final round will tee of with a shotgun start at 8 a.m. PST on Tuesday.
