The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB
NCAA East Regional
Men's Golf Moves Up at NCAA East Regional
5/17/2002 12:00:00 AM | Men's Golf
May 17, 2002
ROSWELL, Ga. - The UAB men's golf team has put itself in position. Now, the Blazers will just have to finish the job.
The Blazers duplicated their opening Thursday score of 301 and are tied for 11th at the NCAA East Regional following second round Friday play at Ainsley Golf Club's Settin' Down Creek.
The 602 total puts the Blazers five shots out of ninth place and seven shots out of fifth heading into Saturday's final round. UAB has to finish in the top-10 in order to move on to the NCAA Championships in Columbus, Ohio May 29-June 1.
Senior Drew Jones was the top scorer for UAB Friday, posting a 1-under par 71 on the lengthy 7,119-yard layout. The Johnson City, Tenn. native rallied from a first-round 79 and is tied for 45th place after two rounds.
Two-time Conference USA Player of the Year Graeme McDowell, who opened with a solid even-par 72 Thursday, struggled a bit with a 75 Friday morning. The All-American linkster is tied for 17th individually as the low Blazer.
Freshman Ryan Thomas shot a 78 to sit in a tie for 63rd, while senior Craig Gordon ended the day with a 77, putting him at 153. Sophomore Chad Goodwin had to withdraw on day one due to an irritating wrist injury, but finished the second day of play with an 84.
While the Blazers have not put up the numbers they are normally accustomed to, head coach Alan Kaufman feels a repeat performance from last year's ninth-place NCAA East Regional finish is certainly capable.
"We are pleased with our performance today considering Graeme didn't shoot his usual subpar round and Chad's wrist continued to bother him," Kaufman said. "We are cautiously optimistic at tomorrow. This is a very difficult golf course and anything can happen.
Clemson continued its steady play, finishing the day with 577, one shot better than top-ranked Georgia Tech which posted a 287 for a 578 total.
The Tigers are led by Ben Hogan Award Winner D.J. Trahan, who fired a 2-under par 70 to lead the tournament wit 139. Georgia Southern's Tyler McKever and Georgia Tech's Matt Weibring share second with 141.
Final round action will begin early Saturday morning.
