Clemson 10th after First Round at Ping Preview

Oct. 2, 2006

Clemson, SC-Ben Martin fired a one-under-par 69 to lead Clemson to a 290 team score and a 10th place standing after one round of the 54-hole Ping Preview at Williamsburg, VA. The event is being held at the par 70 Golden Horseshoe Golf Course, which is being played on the site of next spring’s 2007 NCAA Championship.

Clemson is 11 shots off the lead set by Georgia, the only school to score under par in the first round. The Bulldogs are at 279, followed by Texas A&M who shot an even par 280. Florida is third at 281, followed by defending national champion Oklahoma State.

The 15 team field features 11 of the top 15 teams in the latest NCAA Coaches poll. Georgia Tech is just two shots clear of Clemson at 288 and in ninth place. Wake Forest is the only other ACC team in the 15-team field. The Demon Deacons stand in 14th place at 15 over par 295.

The tournament continues with 18 holes on Tuesday and the final 18 on Wednesday.

The fourth-ranked Tigers were led by Martin with his opening round of 69. He is tied for eighth place after one round with among others, Georgia sophomore Brian Harman. Robert Gates of Texas A&M, Niklas Lemke of Arizona State and Pablo Martin of Oklahoma State lead the individual race with scores of 67.

Martin was Clemson’s top golfer in the opening tournament of the year two weeks ago at the Carpet Classic, where he fired a 208, including a second round 64.

Vince Hatfield was Clemson’s second best golfer with a 72. He was four over par in the early going, then made two birdies on the back nine to close with the two over par score. Freshman Kyle Stanley finished with a four over par 74, while junior Tanner Ervin scored a 75. David May was Clemson’s non counter with a 76.

Clemson actually closed the round in strong fashion, scoring four under par among the team counters over the last final five holes.