Former Tiger Charles Warren Leads Buy.com Event

April 27, 2002

Clemson, SC – Former Clemson three-time All-American Charles Warren holds a one-stroke lead heading into the final round of the BMW Charity at The Cliffs BUY.com event. Warren, an All-American for the Tigers in 1996-97-98 and the NCAA Champion in 1997, shot an eight-under-par 64 on Saturday to take a one-stroke lead.

Warren shot a 31 on the back side, including an eagle on the par five 17th in posting his best round as a professional on a par 72 course. Warren now has rounds of 67-65-64 at the event that is played over two courses. He will be in the final group at the Cliffs Valley Course on Sunday.

Warren is attempting to become the second consecutive former Clemson player to win the event. Last year Jonathan Byrd shot a final round 66 on the final day in winning at the Cliffs Valley Course. Warren stands at 19-under-par with a 196 total. It is the top three-round score of Warren’s career. Through 54 holes, Warren has just two bogeys and 19 birdies.

Warren has made quite a comeback. Last year at this time he was recovering from shoulder surgery and actually provided on-course commentary for the Golf Channel during this event. Now he has a chance to win. “I was very happy with my putting today,” said Warren. “I am still not satisfied with my ball striking, but this is the best I have putt the ball in sometime.” Warren’s round included a 30-footer for the eagle on 17.

Warren is not the only Clemson golfer in the top 20 heading into the final round. Current Clemson junior D.J. Trahan fired a 69 on Saturday and stands in a tie for 18th at 206, nine-under-par. Trahan’s round included four birdies in the first 13 holes. Trahan is playing the tournament as an amateur and will be back in action for the Tigers at the NCAA East Regional in May. This is the second professional tournament of his career. He played in the 2001 Masters.

Three other former Clemson golfers shot under par rounds on Saturday. In fact, the five golfers with ties to Clemson shot 20-under-par on Saturday. Kevin Johnson, an All-American at Clemson from 1987-88-89, shot a four-under par 68 on Saturday and stands at 208, 32nd best in the tournament. Charles Raulerson also stands at 208, while former Clemson American John Engler shot a 71 on Saturday and is at 211, four-under par.

On the PGA Tour, former Clemson All-American Jonathan Byrd, who won the BUY.COM event in Greenville last year, shot a 69 on Saturday and moved from 53rd to 22nd at the Greater Greensboro Classic. Byrd had five birdies and two bogeys on Saturday. It was his first round in the 60s in 13 rounds.