April 18, 2004

PALADINS IN LEAD AT SOUTHERN CONFERENCE GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS

JONESBORO, Tennessee -- Furman’s Paladin golf team is in first place after one round of the 54-hole Southern Conference Championships, slated for Sunday through Tuesday at The Ridges Golf Course in Jonesboro, Tenn.

Furman junior Shane Birckbichler (Travelers Rest, S.C.) paced the Paladins with a first round 69 and is atop the individual leaderboard with a one-stroke advantage over teammate Matt Davidson (West Windsor, N.J.), who carded a two-under 70. Junior Rob Langley (Atlanta, Ga.) fired an even-par 72 and is in eighth individually, while junior T.J. Blandford (Paradise Valley, Ariz.) recorded a two-over 74 and is 14th overall. Senior Buddy Davis (Orlando, Fla.) was Furman’s non-scorer on the day after a first-round 78.

Furman’s 285 team total is nine strokes better than second-place Appalachian State, who carded a 294 on Sunday, and 12 strokes ahead of third place Davidson and Georgia Southern, teams that fired 297 in round one. Round two of the Southern Conference Championships is scheduled for Monday with the third and final round planned for Tuesday.

Furman Results
1 Furman Team 285

Furman Individuals
1. Shane Birckbichler 69
2. Matt Davidson 70
8. Rob Langley 72
14. T.J. Blandford 74
43. Buddy Davis 78