Lee golf coach John Maupin was pleased with the way his men's team played in the opening round of the 54-hole Gulf South Conference Golf Tournament being played at the Robert Trent Jones at the Shoals course.
With Shea Sylvester's 1-under par 71 leading the way, four of his teammates played solid golf in helping the Flames (291) to a four-shot lead over the University of West Florida (295) heading into the second round of the 54-hole event on Monday and Tuesday.
Sylvester is tied for medalist honors with West Florida's Chandler Blanchet, who also carded a 71.
Lee's Peyton Sliger and Adam Wright recorded 1-over 73s and are tied for fourth in individual standings. The consistent play continued with 74s from Taylor Davis and Corey Sheppard.
"We really had a nice start today and conditions were challenging" said Maupin. "It was nice to see all five guys handle it well. We know there is a lot of golf left, so we need to be ready to come out strong tomorrow."
While the Flames are four strokes up on the Argonauts, Valdosta State is six back (297). Delta State (302) and West Georgia (304) round out the top five clubs in the 11-team field.
Sophomore Caroline Moore turned in an even-par round of 72 and senior Callie Kitchens is one stroke back at 73 in leading the Lee women’s golf team to a two-stroke advantage over rival Shorter University heading into round two of the 54-hole Gulf South Conference Tournament on Monday.
The annual GSC event is being staged on the Robert Trent Jones at the Shoals links. While Moore and Kitchens were leading the way, senior Cailey Gino carded a 76. Bernadette Little came in at 78 and Sam Burrus finished at 79.
Moore holds a stroke advantage over her teammate Kitchens and West Alabama’s Jessica Smyth in the medalist competition.
“It was just a really solid round from the team today,” said coach John Maupin. “They did a great job of battling on all 18 holes, and it's put us in great shape. We feel like we still have some room to get better tomorrow. We are excited to compete over the next two days.”
In the team battle, West Alabama is third (309), West Florida fourth (312) and West Georgia fifth (315) in the field of nine squads.