But despite the pelting precipitation and chilly conditions, the Bulldogs were able to maintain their 9-stroke advantage at Caves Valley Golf Club and will carry that edge into the final round on Saturday.
"Today was just a day of survival," Georgia coach Chris Haack said. "It was a day to try to get in without any damage happening.We stubbed our toes a little at the end and gave away a few shots, but overall we had one of the lowest rounds and played good,quality, solid golf."
The Bulldogs fired a 17-over 297 in the third round, giving them a total of 15-over 297.The Yellow Jackets (864) appear to be the Bulldogs' final challenge as the third-place team, Southern Cal, is 20 shots back. On Saturday, the Bulldogs will be looking for their second national championship. But unlike the 1999 squad that entered the final round five shots down, the 2005 Bulldogs will have to hold off the competition.
"Am I comfortable with a 9-shot lead? I would only be comfortable with a 50-shot lead," Haack said. "Things can change so fast. Look at how this golf course is and you can't feel comfortable. But we have a seasoned team that is steady and patient and has a good attitude. We'll come out on Saturday to take care of our business and see what happens."
Friday was by far the most challenging round of the tournament as the players battled the elements and tried to stay dry with umbrellas, rainsuits and towels.
"You just have to tell yourself that everybody is playing in the same conditions," senior David Denham said. "You can't let it get to you. You try to get past it and grind out every shot. It helps to have an upbeat attitude."
Denham's attitude was definitely upbeat after he signed for a 2-over 72. Said the senior from Tifton, "Par's a great score out here today. I shot 2-over and it felt like I shot 3- or 4-under. You just couldn't take aggressive swings out here today because they would have led to big numbers."
The Bulldogs also counted 5-over 75s from junior Richard Scott and sophomores Chris Kirk and Brendon Todd.Junior Kevin Kisner added a 6-over 76. Georgia's 17-over figure was stamped by two bogeys on No. 17 and four bogeys on No. 18.
"It was pretty difficult out there," Todd said. "It was definitely playing long. You just had to stay calm and positive. Everyone was making a lot of pars and bogeys, so you just had to hang in there and see how low you could keep it."
Todd is Georgia's top individual in the tournament at 3-over 213, six shots behind Pepperdine's Michael Putnam and tied for eighth. Kirk and Kisner are in the group tied for 14th at 5-over 215, followed by Scott in 17th at 6-over 216 and Denham in 29th at 8-over 218.
(From georgiadogs.com)
http://accesswdun.com/article/2005/6/133348