APSU Sports: Austin Peay Men’s Golf
Pawleys Island, SC – It wasn’t a great day but not a bad one for Austin Peay State University men’s golf team in the first round of the Golfweek Program Challenge, Sunday, being played at the True Blue Golf Resort.
“We hit a lot of greens and fairways,” APSU coach Kirk Kayden said. “We just didn’t convert enough of those 7-10 footers (putts).
“It becomes a putting contest when it is a course little easier than you are used to. Our guys understand that and worked hard on it (after the round).”
The Governors’ Big Three, senior Dustin Korte along with juniors Anthony Bradley and Marco Iten, again led the way, combining for four-under par. Korte, a first-team All-OVC selection a year ago, is tied for fifth after shooting a three-under 69, a round that included four birdies and just one bogey.
Anthony Bradley, the defending OVC champion, came in at one-under 71. His up-and-down round included four birdies and three bogeys. He is tied for 12th overall.
Meanwhile, Iten, one of the top five Swiss amateurs, came in at even-par 72. He matched four birdies with four bogeys.
First-time participants Corey Smith, a redshirt freshman, and Chris Baker, a freshman, each came in at four-over 76.
“We felt like we left some shots out there today,” Kayden said. “I think we were a little disappointed. We broke in two guys today and they were a little nervous. The adrenaline was going-they understand where this program is and really wanted to contribute. They will be back out there tomorrow ready for a good round.
“The good thing is the leader is seven under, just seven shots ahead of us with two rounds to play. We are still in contention.”
Men and women’s teams from 12 NCAA Division I schools are playing 54 holes on separate courses. After the completion of the final round, men and women’s team champions will be crowned. But so, too, will be the Program Challenge winner – the school (both men’s and women’s teams) that has the lowest cumulative score.
