SMC Men’s Golf Opens East Tennessee Collegiate in Ninth Place

After Monday's opening round of the East Tennessee Collegiate, the Spartanburg Methodist College men's golf team sits in ninth place with a team score of 296 (+8). The University of the Cumberlands and Johnson University share the team lead after posting identical scores of 277 (-11).

The race for individual medalist honors is equally competitive. Maddox Butler of Walters State CC and Jeston Murrell of Johnson are co-leaders after carding rounds of 67 (-5), giving them a one-stroke edge heading into Tuesday's final round.

The Pioneers had four players post opening-round scores of 74 (+2), including reigning AAC Golfer of the Week Evan Cheek, who tallied three birdies. Joining him at 74 were Parker Harrigan, Kendall Howle, and Thomas Campbell. Harrigan closed strong with birdies on two of his final three holes, while Howle opened his round with birdies on two of his first three and added three more on the back nine for a team-best five on the day. Campbell played steady golf, recording even par on 16 of 18 holes.

Rounding out the lineup, AJ Bolin posted a 76 (+4), highlighted by three birdies is in a tie for 51st place.