OU Stands Seven Shy of Key Top-10

May 15, 2008

BREMERTON, Wash. - The University of Oklahoma men's golf team finished Thursday's first round of the 54-hole NCAA West Regional in 23rd place on the Olympic Course at Gold Mountain Golf Club in Bremerton, Wash.

The Sooners posted a first-round team total of 306 (+18) at the 7,111-yard, par-72 layout. OU stands seven shots back from its target standing as the top 10 squads advance to the NCAA Championships, hosted by Purdue University at the Kampen Course in West Lafayette, Ind., May 28-31.

Oklahoma was paced by lone upperclassman Phillip Bryan who carded a tournament-opening 74. The Mustang, Okla., senior made the turn at +3 before playing his final nine holes in 1-under-par fashion. Bryan stands in a tie for 31st with 36 holes to play.

Two shots behind Bryan is freshman Liam Logan who finished Thursday's play tied for 64th after a 4-over-par 76. Jesse Schutte carded a 77 and sits in a tie for 82nd.

Rounding out the OU scoring were Ben Blundell and Tyler Rody who stand 112th and 140th, respectively. Blundell fired a first-round 79 while Rody shot 90.

Joey Benedetti of Oregon holds a one-shot lead in the medalist race after a 3-under-par 69 on Thursday. Benedetti was one of only seven players in the 141-man field to find red figures on day one. His play helped the Ducks to the overnight lead as Oregon posted a team total of 289 (+1) and leads USC, UCLA and tournament-host Washington by two shots.