MOBILE, Ala – The University of South Alabama men’s golf team finished the first two rounds of the USA Spring Classic in third place at Heron Lakes Country Club Monday. The Jags recorded a 36 hole score of two-over par after shooting rounds of 286 and 292. Tennessee-Chattanooga is currently sweeping the team and individual awards after shooting 11-under par 565. Derek Rende fired a course record 63 during the second round and is currently carding ten-under par 134.
“I thought we played well today, we minimized mistakes but we still have work to do,” said men’s coach Ben Hannan. “We are still in the hunt for this and we need to play strong tomorrow because there are some good teams behind us.”
During the first 18 holes, USA was led by sophomore Marc-Etienne Bussieres. Bussieres recorded a three-under par 69, while junior Jonny Caldwell and sophomore Kyle Simmons each shot two-under par 70. Sophomores Daniel Burns and Dan Swomley each carded 77.
In the second round, Bussieres fired a one-under par 71, while Caldwell recorded even-par 72. Simmons carded a two-over par 74 and Burns fired 75. Swomley rounded out the Jag scoring with a 78.
“We are still looking for a complete round for the whole team, but I thought Marc played extremely well today,” said Hannan.
Southeastern Louisiana is currently in second place after shooting four-under par 572. South Alabama is in third place, while Louisville (579) and Memphis (584) are in fourth and fifth, respectively.
Behind Rende, is Memphis golfer Ian Rochester (138) and Derek Fathauer (139) of Louisville. Bussieres is currently in fourth place, while six golfers are tied in fifth shooting 142, including Caldwell.
The USA Spring Classic continues Tuesday with a double-tee start at 8:00 a.m.
3 South Alabama 286 – 292 - 578
4 Marc-Etienne Bussieres 69 – 71 – 140
T-5 Jonny Caldwell 70 – 72 – 142
T-14 Kyle Simmons 70 – 74 - 144
T-45 Daniel Burns 77 – 75 - 152
T-52 Dan Swomley 77 – 78 – 155
T40 Greg Gowen (I) 77 – 74 – 151
T-55 Scott Shouldice (I) 78 – 78 – 156
T-62 Warren West (I) 81 – 79 – 160
66 Dane Thorogood (I) 84 – 79 - 163
67 Colm Montgomery (I) 86 – 82 - 168
