-The Chattanooga Mocs men’s golf team completed its first event of the 2021-22 season. The group turned in 900 over 54 holes to finish 19th at the Jim Rivers Intercollegiate at Squire Creek Country Club. That total was three behind Western Kentucky in 18th and 18 clear of Central Arkansas in 20th.
The Mocs carded their second-best 18-hole tally with 298. That was led by Paul Conroy and Connor Nolan with twin 73s. Braedon Wear added 75 with Leon Bader and Matt Smith matching for the third straight round, this time with 77.
Chattanooga’s five started on the back nine today and made the turn at 1 over par. The first four holes coming in thwarted the day. The counting cards played those four at 8 over with two birdies, three pars and 10 bogeys. A flurry of birdies at the par 5 ninth completed the 10-over day the right way.
Conroy led the way with an even-par 216 tying for 25th. It’s his first 54-hole par or better finish in eight tournaments as a Moc joining the playing squad in January. Wear was next with 224, one better than Nolan’s 225. Bader and Smith shot 235.LSU claimed the team title by seven shots over UTSA and 10 strokes over third-place Southern Miss. Host LA Tech had the medalist as 36-hole leader Sam Murphy won by three with a 12-under 204.
The following week sees the Mocs return home to host the Scenic City Collegiate. They bring an impressive array of squads to the hallowed fairways of the Honors Course for a two-day, 54-hole affair on Sept. 20 and 21. Admission is free.
Jim Rivers Intercollegiate
Sept. 12-14 | Ruston, La.
Lineup: 308-294-298=900
Paul Conroy: 72-71-73=216 (E)
Braedon Wear: 78-71-75=224 (+8)
Connor Nolan: 76-76-73=225 (+9)
Leon Bader: 82-76-77=235 (+19)
Matt Smith: 82-76-77=235 (+19)