Clemson Remains Second at Puerto Rico Classic

Feb. 25, 2002

Rio Mar, Puerto Rico – Clemson remained in second place, but Georgia Tech lengthened its lead over the Tigers in the second round of the Puerto Rico Classic at Rio Mar Country Club in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Clemson shot a 289 total as a team, while Georgia Tech, ranked number-one in the nation in the latest poll, had a 285 on Monday. The event is being played on the par 72 River Course.

Tech leads the way with a 36-hole score of 550. Clemson is second at 568, while Purdue is third at 571. Florida and Minnesota are tied for fourth at 581, while East Tennessee State jumped from ninth place to sixth with a 583 score. Colorado is seventh at 584, while NC State is eighth at 585. Duke is ninth at 588, while national power Texas is 10th at 591. Northwestern, Oklahoma, and Georgia are tied for 11th at 593, while Virginia is 14th at 602 and Kent State rounds out the 15-team field at 603.

Clemson was led on Monday by sophomore Gregg Jones, who had his second straight round of 69. Jones is second, four strokes behind Georgia Tech’s Troy Matteson, who shot a sparkling 65 and is at 134 after two rounds. It is the first time he has had consecutive rounds in the 60s in his career. D.J. Trahan continued his consistent season with another 71, his 19th straight round at 72 or better. Trahan is 11th at 142 after two rounds.

Ben Duncan, Clemson’s top golfer on the first day with a career best 68, slumped to 76 and is now 17th with a 144 total. Matt Hendrix, who shot a 71 on Sunday, slumped to 76 on Monday and is at 147, 35th place individually. Jack Ferguson shot a 73 on Monday and his 150 total after two rounds is 47th.

Georgia Tech has four of the top eight individuals after two rounds, a demonstration of their outstanding play. Kris Mikkelsen, who had the first round lead with a 72, fired a 72 on Monday, but is still in third place.