The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB
Gopher Invitational
UAB Eighth After Two Rounds At Gopher Invitational
9/7/2014 12:00:00 AM | Men's Golf
Team Standings
| Player Standings
INDEPENDENCE, Minn. - Sophomore Henry James led the UAB men's golf team with a two-round total of 146 (+4) on the first day of the Gopher Invitational at Windsong Farm Golf Club in Independence, Minn. The Blazers finished the day in eighth after a team total of 599 (+31) through the first two rounds.
"We had a tough opening round and gave ourselves a mountain to climb," head coach Alan Murray said. "We have an inexperienced lineup in college tournament terms and it showed in the first round. They boys dug deep though and responded well in the second round. I was really proud of their resilience."
UAB was 11th through the first 18 holes after shooting a score of 309 (+25), but rebounded in the second round with a 290 (+6) to move up to eighth place. The Blazers had 11 birdies and an eagle in the second round of action.
James is currently 13th in the standings at 4-over par through 36 holes. The Kidderminster, England native shot his lowest round of his collegiate career with a 69 (-2) during the second round after putting in for three birdies. He also recorded a 77 (+6) in the first round.
Just behind James was freshman Lee Hodges and junior Martin Rohwer, both with a 147 (+5) to rank 16th. Hodges, who is making his collegiate debut, led the Blazers with a 73 (+2) score in the first round and followed that up with a 74 (+3) in the second round after sinking an eagle on the 18th hole to finish the day.
"Lee Hodges showed great promise as a freshman and Henry James played superbly in the second round," Murray said. "Martin (Rohwer) was his usual steady self."
Rohwer used four birdies to bring him to a second-round 72 (+1) after shooting a 75 (+4) in the first round. Junior Ryan Davies finished with a 159 (+17) on the day, recording a 75 (+4) in the second round and is currently 56th. Junior Will Cannon had a 164 (+22) over the two rounds.
"Will had a tough day and it was really unlike him, but he will bounce back from it," Murray remarked. "Ryan played really well this afternoon. A couple of poor shots really cost him, but he could have easily been under par."
"We are looking forward to getting back on the course for round three and trying to climb the leaderboard," Murray concluded.
UAB will conclude the tournament with the third round on Monday morning.
For the latest news on Blazer sports, follow the UAB Athletics Twitter account: @UABathletics. For men's golf news, follow @UAB_MensGolf.
