Day Two in Books at NCAA Men's Golf Championship
Geoff Shaw
Courtesy: Texas A&M Athletics
PACIFIC PALISADES, Calif.-A rough three-hole stretch on the back half of
Wednesday's second round has put Texas A&M in danger of missing the
cut for match play at the NCAA Division I Men's Golf Championship at
Riviera Country Club.
The Aggies entered the day eight shots out of the final match-play qualifying spot and had a strong start to the round. A&M was even par through 10 holes and 2-over through 12, putting it in position to be in contention. On holes four, five and six (A&M began the round on No. 10), however, the Aggies lost a total of seven shots and were unable to recover-finishing the day with a 12-over 296 and sitting at 26-over (594) for the week. Texas A&M now sits 10 shots out of the eighth and final qualifying position with 18 holes to play.
"We were 2-over with six holes to play and let a really good round slip away," head coach J.T. Higgins said. "We played our last six 10-over and right now that hurts seeing that we are 10 shots shy of qualifying for match play. That is not an insurmountable obstacle but we need to be ready to go as soon as we step foot on the property tomorrow. We have five guys that are capable of shooting under par on this course and they've waited long enough to get it done. Tomorrow, we will find out what we are made of. We still have a lot to play for but it will take some courage to lay it all on the line and go after it. I think there is a great score out there and I believe these guys can get it."
A&M's top individual is freshman Ty Dunlap, who sits in 37th place overall with a 4-over 146 (72-74). Senior Geoff Shaw carded the Aggies' best round of the day, a 72, and is two shots back with a 6-over 148 (76-72). Sophomore Johannes Veerman is also at 6-over 148 (74-74), while senior Jordan Russell is at 12-over (76-78=154) and redshirt freshman Greg Yates at 13-over (79-76=155).
The final round of stroke play is set for Thursday. Live scoring will be available on ncaa.com. In addition, the NCAA will provide free live video of the 10th, 14th and 18th holes throughout the day-log on to ncaa.com for more information.
The Aggies entered the day eight shots out of the final match-play qualifying spot and had a strong start to the round. A&M was even par through 10 holes and 2-over through 12, putting it in position to be in contention. On holes four, five and six (A&M began the round on No. 10), however, the Aggies lost a total of seven shots and were unable to recover-finishing the day with a 12-over 296 and sitting at 26-over (594) for the week. Texas A&M now sits 10 shots out of the eighth and final qualifying position with 18 holes to play.
"We were 2-over with six holes to play and let a really good round slip away," head coach J.T. Higgins said. "We played our last six 10-over and right now that hurts seeing that we are 10 shots shy of qualifying for match play. That is not an insurmountable obstacle but we need to be ready to go as soon as we step foot on the property tomorrow. We have five guys that are capable of shooting under par on this course and they've waited long enough to get it done. Tomorrow, we will find out what we are made of. We still have a lot to play for but it will take some courage to lay it all on the line and go after it. I think there is a great score out there and I believe these guys can get it."
A&M's top individual is freshman Ty Dunlap, who sits in 37th place overall with a 4-over 146 (72-74). Senior Geoff Shaw carded the Aggies' best round of the day, a 72, and is two shots back with a 6-over 148 (76-72). Sophomore Johannes Veerman is also at 6-over 148 (74-74), while senior Jordan Russell is at 12-over (76-78=154) and redshirt freshman Greg Yates at 13-over (79-76=155).
The final round of stroke play is set for Thursday. Live scoring will be available on ncaa.com. In addition, the NCAA will provide free live video of the 10th, 14th and 18th holes throughout the day-log on to ncaa.com for more information.
