The Ninth Ranked Dalton State golf team shot an opening round 287 (+3) on Tuesday and sits in a tie for 11th after the 1st Round of the NAIA Men's Golf National Championship at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Ill.
#1 Keiser (Fla.) and #11 Point (Ga.) share the lead at 280 (-4). #12 Wayland Baptist (Texas) is 3rd at 281 (-3) with #6 British Columbia in 4th at 283 (-1).
In a tie for 5th is (RV) Victoria (B.C.) and #10 Houston-Victoria (Texas) at 284 (E) with #14 Bellevue (Neb.), #3 Coastal Georgia, #22 Morningside (Iowa) and #4 USC Beaufort tied for 7th at 285 (+1).
#9 Dalton State, #5 Ottawa (Ariz.) and #15 Reinhardt (Ga.) are tied for 11th at 287 (+3).
It was not a great start for the Roadrunners as they made the turn with 15 bogey's and just two birdies as a team. The final 9 made the round for the Birds as they collected 15 birdies and an eagle to close strong.
Senior Matthew Cleary led the way with a 1-under 70 closing hot with birdies on Nos. 16, 17 & 18. Steve Kibare was next in the clubhouse with an even-par 71.
Trevor Bassett shot 1-over 72 going 2-under on the back 9. Tyler White shot 4-under on his final 4 holes with 2 birdies and an eagle to post 3-over 74. Cole Wentworth matched White's 3-over round of 74.
#9-ranked Dalton State will hit the course beginning at 1:30 p.m. (CT) on Wednesday for the 2nd Round of the NAIA Men's Golf National Championship at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Ill. The Birds will be paired with #3 Coastal Georgia and #14 Bellevue (Neb.).