The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB
Conrad Rehling Invitational
Men's Golf in Seventh at Alabama Invite
3/15/2002 12:00:00 AM | Men's Golf
March 15, 2002
TUSCALOOSA -- UAB All-American linkster Graeme McDowell probably puts Ol' Colony Golf Complex pretty highly on his list of favorite courses.
The junior continued his mastery of the 7,032-yard layout with a 3-under par 68 Friday in opening round action of the Conrad Rehling Alabama Invite. The number was good enough to place McDowell in a tie for third individually after day one action.
The Blazer, team, however had some problems -- shooting an 11--over par 295 to place them in a tie for seventh with Mississippi.
For McDowell, though, it was just another day at the office. The Northern Ireland product, who is the event's defending champion, fired a 35 on the front nine and a 33 on the back. The Conference USA Player of the Month for February shot his fifth straight sub-par round.
He, along with South Carolina's Brent Delahoussaye and Minnesota's Wilhelm Schauman, is one shot back of Purdue's Lee Williamson and Michigan State's J.J. Beckstrom -- who each shot 67s to take the first-day lead.
Earlier this week, McDowell won individual medalist honors at the Seminole Intercollegiate in Tallahassee, Fla.
Head coach Alan Kaufman's team, meanwhile, will have some ground to make up. Newcomer Ryan Thomas stands tied for 21st after a 2-over par 73. Senior Drew Jones carded a 76 (tied for 40th), and the Blazers also toook a 78 from Craig Gordon. Birmingham native Chad Goodwin rounded out the scoring with a 79.
Minnesota has the first-round lead after a 2-under 282 team score. Toledo is five shots off the pace after a 287, while tourney-host Alabama is tied with LSU for third at 291.
The three-day event will continue Saturday, with the Blazers teeing off at 9:30 a.m., before wrapping up with final-round action Sunday.
