SALEM, S.C. — On the strength of four players in the top 10, the 11th-ranked Georgia men’s golf team is in second place after one round of the Clemson Invitational at The Cliffs at Keowee Falls.
Playing the par-72, 7,103-yard layout on Friday, the Bulldogs recorded a 15-under 273 — just one stroke shy of Georgia Tech’s 16-under 272. Duke is third at 13-under 275.
Junior and former Gainesville High standout Spencer Ralston paced the Bulldogs as he fired a 5-under 67. Ralston is in third individually, three in back of Duke’s Adrien Pendaries. Ralston won the Linger Longer Invitational in Georgia’s most recent competition.
Sophomore Davis Thompson followed Ralston with a 4-under 68 for sixth. The Phillips brothers, Trevor (a junior) and Trent (a freshman), each signed for a 3-under 69 for ninth. Freshman Will Kahlstorf had the Bulldogs’ non-counting score of even-par 72.
“There’s no way to feel bad about a 15-under day,” Georgia head coach Chris Haack said. “I was pleased with the way we played throughout the round. That being said, I actually think we have the ability to go even lower. We left a few shots out there, so we’ll clean those up as we get ready for the second round.”
The Clemson Invitational will continue on Saturday and will conclude on Sunday. Georgia will be paired with Georgia Tech and Duke on Saturday, with tee times running in 10-minute increments between 10:40 and 11:20 a.m.
