Men’s Golf in the Lead at Jerry Pate National Intercollegiate

October 19, 1998

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – John Engler fired a second round 64, tied for the second lowest score in Clemson golf history, to lead the Tigers to a record 269 team score and a six-stroke lead over defending National Champion UNLV after 36 holes of the Jerry Pate National Intercollegiate.

The event is being held at the Old Overton Club in Birmingham, AL and features 12 teams, including nine of the top 11 teams in the nation according to the most recent MasterCard Collegiate rankings. Clemson is the defending champion of the event.

Clemson has a six-shot lead over UNLV and a team score of 551, 17-under-par. The Tigers shot a 15-under-par 269 on the par 71 course in the afternoon round, breaking the single round Clemson record of 273 set last year at the Palmetto Classic. The 15-under-par tied the Clemson single round mark for team score versus par. Clemson was 15 under for the 273 round last year at the Palmetto Classic.

Engler had eight birdies and one bogey in his career best round that tied as the second best round in Clemson history. The only score better is Brad Clark’s 63 at the 1985 ACC Tournament. Tony Nimmer had a 64 at the South Carolina State Tournament in 1981.

Engler stands in second place individually after two rounds with a seven under par 135. The sophomore from Augusta, GA had a 71 in the first round.

“John’s putting was the key, he had confidence in his putter,” said Head Coach Larry Penley. “The putting allowed him to be more conservative with his ball striking, so he didn’t have to charge the flag on every fairway shot.”

Engler is one of four Tigers at three-under par or better after two rounds. Lucas Glover had rounds of 68 and 69 on Monday, while junior Jonathan Byrd had rounds of 72 and 68. Senior Luke Ferguson had rounds of 74 and 80

Freshman Michael Hoey might have been the story of the day, however. The native of Ireland playing in his first college event had rounds of 71 and 68 to stand at three-under-par. He hit 35 of 36 fairways or greens (on par 3s) on the day and hit 32 of 36 greens for the two rounds combined.

“Michael gave our team confidence,” said Head Coach Larry Penley. “When he shot a 71 in the morning round in a tough wind, it gave our team a shot in the arm.”

The tournament will conclude with 18 holes on Tuesday.