Lee men's golf team will have a lot of ground to make up if they hope to challenge the top teams in the 54-hole Sand Shark Classic being hosted by South Carolina-Beaufort.
While the host Sand Sharks were putting together rounds of 297-291 - 588 in Monday's two rounds, the Flames struggled with a 309 during the opening 18 and then rebounded with a 299 for a 608 total.
Saint Thomas (Fla.) 292-299 - 591 is only three shots back of the leader, while Johnson-Wales is also in the hunt with a 298-297 - 595. Embry-Riddle (305-298 - 603) and Webber International (300-307 - 609) are also leading the Flames.
"We really struggled on the greens today," said coach John Maupin. "And just overall, it was one of those days you wish you could restart. From the get-go, we were just never able to generate any momentum."
Hunter Vest is tied for eighth overall in the individual competition. He struggled with a 77 in the opening 18 but battled back with an even par 72 and his 149 is nine strokes behind the tournament leader, Brian Langley of the Sand Sharks. He fired two rounds of 70 (140).
Matt Emery followed Vest with a 77-75 - 152. Freshman Peyton Sliger
countered with a 79-75 154 and his freshman teammate Taylor Davis posted a 78-77 155. JB
Eksteen
came out of the gate with a 77 but struggled during the final 18 and came in with a 88 (165).
"We need a great round tomorrow," added Maupin. "I know none of us are satisfied with today's play and we didn't come all this way to play bad golf. I expect us to come of the gate strong tomorrow and finish on a positive note."