The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB
Gator Invitational
Men's Golf Closes Day One At Gator Invitational
2/14/2009 12:00:00 AM | Men's Golf
Feb. 14, 2009
GAINESVILLE, Fla. - The UAB men's golf team struggled through the opening day of the Gator Invitational on Saturday, closing play in 14th overall. The event is the Blazers' first tournament of the 2009 spring campaign.
UAB opened the day carding a 292 over the opening 18 holes, followed by a 296 in the second round to finish at 28 over par 588. The Blazers, along with the rest of the field, will enter the final round looking up at the tournament host and overall leader Florida, who will take a 10-shot lead after carding a 15-under 545 on the day. Additionally, Florida's Toby Ragland is on top of the leader board after firing 68 (-2) and 65 (-5) on day one for a two-round total of 133 (-7).
Two-time All-America Zack Sucher, who captured individual medalist honors in last year's Gator Invitational, had a disappointing opening day of his 2009 season. The senior who is currently ranked No. 6 in the latest amateur rankings, opened the day with an eight-over par 78 and could not finish the second round. As a result, he will not defend his 2008 crown.
Senior Kaylor Timmons (70-75), who is playing in his first event this year, and sophomore Jason Shufflebotham (73-72) are tied for 42nd overall with a five over 145 through two rounds to lead the Blazers. Timmons opened the round with a two-under par 70, just one stroke off his career high of 69.
Junior Adam West is one stroke off the pace after recording a 146 (74-72) and will enter Sunday's final round in a tie for 49th overall. Redshirt freshman Blake Watts closed the day in 70th with a 12-over 152.
Tee times for Sunday will begin at 8 a.m. on holes No. 1 and No. 10. For complete results and tee times, visit www.GolfStat.com.
