University of Richmond Athletics
Men's Golf Has Lead And Utley Tied For First At Big 5 Invitational
10/14/2006 | Men's Golf
Oct. 15, 2006
PHILADELPHIA, Pa. - The Richmond men's golf team is tied for first after the first round of the Big 5 Invitational, finished Sunday morning at the Philadelphia Cricket Club.
The Spiders finished play at 11-over-par 295 on a very windy Saturday, but not all of the teams completed the round due to darkness. Richmond is tied with Columbia, while Georgetown is in third at 300. The second round began with a shotgun start at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday.
Richmond won the Big 5 Invitational last year, one of two tournament victories for the Spiders in 2005-06.
"I'm really pleased with the team's performance (in the first round)," Richmond head coach Adam Decker said. "We stayed really patient in very tough conditions, there was a lot of wind out there. We're looking forward to keeping it going Sunday."
Richmond junior Jordan Utley, coming off the individual title at the Joe Agee Invitational, has the lead after one round with an even-par 71. Spider junior John Pelet is one-stroke back in second place at 1-over 72.
"Obviously Jordan and John really played outstanding rounds," Decker said. "To stay at even par or 1-over was really hard to do today. Hopefully they can continue that Sunday."
Richmond freshman Hunter Townsend, who has played in all three tournaments in his rookie year, shot a 3-over 74 on Saturday and is tied for ninth.
"Hunter's round of 74 under those conditions is impressive, especially for a freshman," Decker said.
Richmond junior Billy Hanes shot a 78 and is tied for 30th and sophomore Grant Rafield is tied for 45th with an 81.