The Chattanooga Mocs got the NCAA Championships started Friday with 294. The Mocs were one behind playing partner New Mexico and two clear of No. 22 Colorado State. It was a tough morning for scoring with only No. 11 Georgia Tech at par coming in on the number at 280.
Paul Conroy led the way with a level-par 70. Samuel Espinosa was next with 72 as Garrett Engle carded 75. John Houk and Braedon Wear shared the final counting tally of 77.
“It played hard out there today” Coach Blaine Woodruff shared.
“It was a little windier than we expected. This place is a great test. Paul played really well, and Sam had a great round. I think it comes down to us being a little undisciplined and forcing a few errors.
“Pars are good out here. And that can be tough. That’s the discipline when you lose a couple of shots, not trying to get it back but letting it come to you. That’s what I didn’t think we didn’t do a good job with today.
“We still have two days left to get back in this thing. We need to come out tomorrow ready to make a move.”
The squad got off to a good start opening on the 10th hole. They were 1 under through eight (No. 17), but the turn was treacherous. The Mocs played holes 18-3 at 7 over. Birdies came at four and five, but the final four holes saw eight shots dropped as the weather started cooking.
Chattanooga returns to the tee Saturday at 4:20 p.m., Eastern time. The group is paired again with New Mexico and Colorado as the last groups of the afternoon wave off No. 1.
Scoring and pairings, when available, are linked above along with a comprehensive results package when the rounds end.
NCAA Championships - Finals
May 26-31 (Fri-Wed) | Scottsdale, Ariz. | 72 holes (18 per day)
Lineup
4:20 pm (ET) – Braedon Wear: 77
4:31 pm – Samuel Espinosa: 72
4:42 pm – Garrett Engle: 75
4:53 pm – Paul Conroy: 70
5:04 pm – John Houk: 77
Alternate: Alec Cobb: 73.00
Course
Grayhawk Golf Cub | Par 70 | 7,289 yards