Clemson Improves to Second After Round Two

April 18, 1999

NEW LONDON, N.C. —Junior Jonathan Byrd fired a two-under-par 70 and John Engler fired an even par 72 to lead Clemson to a second place ranking after two rounds of the ACC Tournament at The Old North State Club in New London, NC. Three teams are within one shot of the lead heading into the final roun.

Clemson had a team round of 289 on Saturday and now trails leader Georgia Tech by just one stroke. Tech has a two-day total of 578, while Clemson is tied with North Carolina for second at 579. Duke is fourth at 582, while NC State stands fifth at 594. The Pack dropped 18 strokes to par in the second round with a 306.

Virginia stands sixth at 599, while Wake Forest and Maryland are tied for seventh at 605. Florida State is last at 611.

Byrd is attempting to become the first Clemson golfer in history to play on three consecutive ACC championship teams. His 70 led the way for the Tigers and his 144 after two rounds is tied for sixth. Engler’s 72 leaves him at 142 after two rounds, tied for the individual lead with Max Harris of North Carolina and Mike Pearson of Georgia Tech. Pearson was the individual leader after the first round.

Freshman Michael Hoey continued his consistent play with a 73 on Saturday after his 72 on Friday. His 145 total is tied for 11th. Lucas Glover of Greenville, shot his second straight 74 and stands tied for 17th at 148. Elliot Gealy, Clemson’s number-five player, is tied with Matt Kuchar of Georgia Tech for 19th at 149. Gealy had a 74 on Saturday, the same score as Kuchar.

The final round of the tournament will be played on Sunday. Clemson is the two-time defending champion. Clemson has never won three consecutive ACC golf tournaments.