Clemson Seventh After Two Rounds Of The Ridges Intercollegiate

Sept. 11, 1999

JOHNSON CITY, TN – John Engler fired a second round 71 to lead Clemson to a seventh place ranking after 36 holes of The Ridges Intercollegiate at The Ridges Golf Club in Johnson City, TN.

Clemson, ranked number-one in the nation, is playing without All-American and number-one player Jonathan Byrd, who is playing for the United States in the Walker Cup this weekend. Byrd won his first round singles match Saturday to help the United States to a 7-5 lead over Great Britain/Ireland after the first day of action, but his absence did not help the Tigers.

Clemson’s top golfer of the day was actually Michael Hoey, a sophomore. Teams were allowed to bring six players to the tournament, but only five take part in the team competition. Hoey is playing unattached so his 143 score (71-72) did not count toward Clemson’s team score. He is tied for fourth individually.

Engler had rounds of 75-71 and the returning All-American is tied for 13th wtih the 146 total. Teammate and classmate Lucas Glover is tied for 17th, one stroke back after shooting consistent rounds of 74-73.

Clemson’s third best player toward the team total was freshman Ben Duncan. Playing in his first career tournament, Duncan had a 148 total after rounds of 73-75. Jani Saari or Greenville, SC had rounds of 75-77 and stands 49th, while Ben Johnson, also playing in his first career tournament, had rounds of 74-80.

Oklahoma has the team lead with a 576 score, while South Carolina and Arizona are tied for second at 585. Auburn stands third at 588, while Virginia and North Carolina are tied for fifth at 590. The Tigers are two shots back after a pair of 296 team scores. Tennessee is eighth at 595 and TCU is ninth at 599.

The tournament action concludes on Sunday.