Clemson Second after First Day of Golf Digest Collegiate

March 12, 1999

LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Senior Elliot Gealy fired an even par 72 in gusty 30-mile an hour conditions to lead #1 ranked Clemson to a 292 team score and a second-place ranking after the first round of the Golf Digest Collegiate at Desert Inn Country Club in Las Vegas.

The Tigers, who have already won four tournaments this year, are three strokes behind ACC rival Georgia Tech, a team Clemson has beaten eight of the last nine tournaments they have competed together.

Clemson is tied for second with New Nexico at 295, while Georgia is fourth at 296. Oklahoma State and UNLV are tied for fifth at 298, while Houston is seventh at 300. California is eighth at 301, while Arizona State and Texas are tied for ninth at 303. Defending champion Virginia is 11th at 304, while SMU is 12th at 308. Minnesota and TCU are tied for 13th at 310, while Arizona is 15th and last at 319.

Geally, Clemson’s number-five ranked player, was the top Tiger with nines of 34-38. His 72 in the opening round is tied four fourth. David Gossett of Texas, the number-one ranked individual in the nation, is first and has a three-stroke lead at 67.

John Engler, who recently won the San Juan Shootout, fired a 73 for the Tigers and is in a tie for ninth. Jonathan Byrd and Lucas Glover, who both have averages under 75, are tied for 27th after shooting rounds of 75. Freshman Michael Hoey is 48th after shooting a season high 78.

The teams continue play on Saturday and Sunday in the 54-hole event.