Clemson in Third Place at Clemson Invitational

Salem, SC—Matt Naumec shot a tournament record 65 in the second round to lead Boston College to a 279 team score in the second round and a one-shot lead over Notre Dame after 36 holes of the Clemson Invitational at The Cliffs at Keowee Falls in Sunset, SC on Friday.

Twelve teams played 36 holes on Friday as the tournament schedule was changed due to pending showers on Sunday. The final round is scheduled for Saturday morning with play scheduled to begin a 9 a.m. Admission is free.

Boston College has the team lead at 569, seven-under-par. The Eagles second round 279 is the second best team round in the three-year history of the Clemson Invitational. Notre Dame, the first round leader by five shots, shot three under par 285 in each round on Friday and stands in second place at 570.

Clemson stands in third place at 577, one-over-par and eight shots out of the lead. Clemson had team rounds of 295 and 282 on Friday. The Tigers have won each of the first two Clemson Invitational tournaments, but they have not had to come from behind. Clemson last overcame a deficit of at least eight shots earlier this year when it won the Puerto Rico Classic.

Naumec’s 65 in the second round Friday featured nine birdies and two bogeys. His 65 score broke the previous record of 67 held by Austin Langdale of Clemson and Vince Whaley of Georgia Tech, both in 2016, the first year of the tournament.

Turk Pettit is Clemson’s top golfer through 36 holes with a score of one-under-par 143, good enough for fourth place. He had a 76 in the first round, but rebounded with a five-under-par 67 in the second round. The freshman had six birdies in the second round, including four on the five par five holes.

Bryson Nimmer is at even par 144 through two rounds thanks to rounds of 74-70. The junior stands in sixth place after 36 holes. He posted six birdies in his second round after making just one in the first round.

Kyle Cottam is Clemson’s third best golfer through 36 holes with a 145 total after rounds of 71 and 74. His 71 in the opening round was the best by any Tiger. He made birdies on each of his last two holes to shoot two over in the second round.

William Nottingham stands at 150 and Colby Patton at 153 after two rounds. Patton shot an opening round 82, his worst of the year, then battled back to shoot one under par 71.

“We did not play the par five holes well today,” said head coach Larry Penley. “Give Boston College and Notre Dame credit, they played the par fives well all day. Boston College’s nine under par second round was outstanding.

“At one point Notre Dame had played the par five holes 20 shots better than us. We made some birdies late in the second round, but we have to improve in that area on Saturday.”