Buffs 12th In Puerto Rico
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico - The University of Colorado men's golf team struggled here Sunday but was not alone in that regard as the Buffaloes stood 12th after the first round of the fifth annual Puerto Rico Classic.
North Carolina State managed to record an even-par 288 team score to own a three shot lead over both Minnesota and Oklahoma State. No. 1 Clemson is in fourth (293), with No. 7 Texas the only other school to break 300, as the Longhorns are in at 296. The Buffaloes stand 12th after recording a 310 score, tying their third highest score for a single round this season, thanks to brutal wind conditions and the unfamiliarity with Bermuda greens by four of CU's five golfers here.
The 18 teams competing here represent one of the toughest fields thus far this year, as eight of the nation's top 15 teams are represented, along with 12 of the nation's top 30 individuals. Amazing, all but four schools here scored their worst single team rounds of the year Sunday.
Sophomore Mike Brenneman paved the way for Colorado in the first round, as he shot a 3-over par 75 to tie for 24th after 10 holes. Freshman Edward McGlasson tied for 35th after a 4-over round of 76, with two other freshmen next in line for the Buffs, Derek O'Neill (79) and Shaun Justice (80). Senior captain Stephen Carroll had an uncharacteristically high round, coming in with an 81 on the 6,954-yard, par-72 Westin Rio Mar Country Club layout.
"It was a tough day, the conditions were tough and the winds were blustery," CU head coach Mark Simpson said. "The greens were really tough for us, especially for the younger guys as we're not used to this type of grass (Bermuda). They're heavy, thick-grassed greens that take a bit of getting used to, but hopefully we can adjust and improve the last two rounds. But the wind made ball-striking a challenge, and it's something we as a young team have to get accustomed with anyway, so in the long run this experience will be beneficial. Steve obviously struggled, and we need him to do well, but the 75 and 76 posted by Mike and Edward were pretty good rounds given the conditions."
Clemson's D.J. Trahan, the number one rank golfer in Division I, played like it on Sunday, as he is tied for the lead with North Carolina State's Fernando Machareffe as both carded 3-under par 69s. They were two of just seven golfers in the 90-man field who broke par, with only two others equaling it.
The second round of the meet will be played Monday and the final round is set for Tuesday.
Buffalo Individuals
T24. Mike Brenneman..... 38-37--75
T35. Edward McGlasson... 39-37--76
T58. Derek O'Neill...... 38-41--79
T67. Shaun Justice...... 39-41--80
T72. Stephen Carroll.... 42-39--81
Team Scores
1. North Carolina State...... 288
2. Minnesota................. 291
2. Oklahoma State............ 291
4. Clemson................... 293
5. Texas..................... 296
6. East Tennessee State...... 300
6. Florida................... 300
6. Northwestern.............. 300
9. Georgia Tech.............. 301
10. Duke...................... 304
11. Georgia................... 305
12. COLORADO.................. 310
13. Kent State................ 311
14. Illinois.................. 316
14. Oklahoma.................. 316
14. Purdue.................... 316
17. Virginia.................. 325
18. Michigan.................. 328