University of Tennessee Athletics
Vols Ninth After 36-Hole Day at Gifford
November 04, 2013 | Men's Golf
Nov. 4, 2013
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. -- The Tennessee men's golf team was unable to capitalize on its positive momentum Monday at the Gifford Collegiate at Pelican Hill.
The Volunteers recorded an 18-over par 298 to sink into the Gifford Collegiate cellar after the first 18 holes. However, UT was able to bounce back after the quick turnaround and post a 4-over par 284 in the afternoon session to end the 36-hole day. Tennessee heads into the final round tied for ninth place with Oregon.
Oliver Goss has led the charge for Tennessee, carding rounds of 73 (+3) and 69 (-1). The native of Australia is tied for 21st and ten strokes back of the leader, Harry Higgs of SMU. Goss ended his second round with four birdies including three consecutive birdies on holes seven through nine.
"I don't know if it was just me but I thought the course was playing fairly difficult because of the high winds and firm greens," Goss said. "Although there can be many birdie opportunities if you drive it well. Even though I'm making birdies on tough holes, I'm not taking advantage on the easier holes. I'm going to try and change that tomorrow and help us up the leaderboard."
Jack Smith continued his solid freshman season campaign after rounds of 73 (+3) and 70 (E). Smith was the model of consistency, hitting two birdies and five bogeys through 36-holes. The native of Knoxville, Tenn., is in great position for another top-25 finish as he heads into the final round tied for 25th.
Coming off his best collegiate start, sophomore Chad Merzbacher is tied for 46th after rounds of 78 (+8) and 71 (+1). Sophomore Michael Monroe is tied for 48th after making his first ever start for Tennessee. Monroe carded rounds of 76 (+6) and 74 (+4). Senior Brandon Rodgers rounded out the Volunteers' lineup, tying for 52nd after consecutive rounds of 76 (+6).
The Alabama Crimson Tide hold a three stroke lead over Northwestern at the Gifford Collegiate. The Crimson Tide are seeking their 10th consecutive tournament championship, dating back to last season.
On Tuesday, Tennessee will start its final round of the fall season.
For a full leaderboard rundown, Click Here.
Volunteer fans can continue to keep up with the team by following @Vol_Golf on Twitter.
| TEAM SCORES (Through Two Round) | ||
| 1. | Alabama | 275-276--551 (-9) |
| 2. | Northwestern | 279-275--554 (-6) |
| T-3. | SMU | 277-283--560 (E) |
| T-3. | USC | 283-277--560 (E) |
| 5. | Washington | 277-284--561 (+1) |
| 6. | UCLA | 285-279--564 (+4) |
| 7. | Lamar | 286-285--571 (+11) |
| 8. | Coastal Carolina | 295-285--580 (+20) |
| T-9. | Tennessee | 298-284--582 (+22) |
| T-9. | Oregon | 294-288--582 (+22) |
| INDIVIDUAL LEADERS (Through Two Round) | ||
| 1. | Harry Higgs, SMU | 66-66--132 (-8) |
| T-2. | Rico Hoey, USC | 68-66--134 (-6) |
| T-2. | Anthony Paolucci, USC | 68-66--134 (-6) |
| UT SCORES (Through Two Round) | ||
| T-21. | Oliver Goss | 73-69--142 (+2) |
| T-25. | Jack Smith | 73-70--143 (+3) |
| T-46. | Chad Merzbacher | 78-71--149 (+9) |
| T-48. | Michael Monroe | 76-74--150 (+10) |
| T-52. | Brandon Rodgers | 76-76--152 (+12) |
