May 20, 2004

PALADIN GOLFERS FIRE 299 IN WEST REGIONAL FIRST ROUND

SUNRIVER, Oregon -- The Furman men’s golf team carded a first-round 299 and is tied for 17th with two rounds left to play in the NCAA West Regional in Sunriver, Ore.

Furman senior Matt Davidson recorded three bogeys and three birdies in shooting even par 72 at the 7,597-yard Crosswater Course at Sunriver Resort. He is six strokes off the lead held by UCLA’s Travis Johnson, who made no bogeys and six birdies in shooting a first-round 66.

Junior Rob Langley had four bogeys and two birdies in shooting 74 on Thursday, while senior Buddy Davis shot 76 with five bogeys and one birdie in the round. Shane Birckbichler carded 13 pars and five bogeys to shoot 77, while T.J. Blandford ended up as the Paladins’ non-counter after four bogeys, a double, and a triple pushed him to seven over, despite a pair of birdies on the day.

Round two of the NCAA West Regional is slated for Friday, with the third and final round scheduled for Saturday. The top 10 teams will advance to the NCAA Championships, June 1-4, at The Homestead.

Furman Results
T17th Furman 299

Individuals
T26th Matt Davidson 72
T49th Rob Langley 74
T87th Buddy Davis 76
T96th Shane Birckbichler 77
T113th T.J. Blandford 79