April 9, 2004

PALADINS IN FIRST AT WOFFORD INVITATIONAL

SPARTANBURG, South Carolina -- Furman’s Paladin golf team holds a two stroke lead over second place UNC Greensboro entering the third and final round of the Wofford Invitational. The Paladins carded rounds of 285-289 on Friday and are at two-under par 574 entering Saturday’s finale. The Spartans of UNC Greensboro are two strokes back at 576, while Old Dominion sits in third at 579.

Three Paladin golfers are in the individual top 20 entering round three, with Matt Davidson in third after shooting 67-73 on Friday for a four-under 140. T.J. Blandford is fifth following rounds of 73-68, while Buddy Davis holds down 11th after shooting 70-74. Junior Rob Langley is tied for 27th with scores of 76-74 to his credit and Shane Birckbichler is tied for 30th after shooting 75-76 on the day.

The individual lead is held by UNCG’s J.D. Bass, who fired 69-68 and holds a three-stroke advantage over Davidson going into the final 18 holes at the 6,843-yard, par 72 Carolina Country Club.

Blandford’s second-round 68 looked like a possible record-setter when he made the turn at six-under, but his five birdies and one eagle in the round were slightly offset by four bogeys over his final nine holes.

The third and final round of the Wofford Invitational is slated for Saturday at the Carolina Country Club.

Furman Results
1st 285-289=574

Furman Individuals
3rd Matt Davidson 67-73=140
5th T.J. Blandford 73-68=141
T11th Buddy Davis 70-74=144
T27th Rob Langley 76-74=150
T30th Shane Birckbichler 75-76=151