March 3, 2014
RUSTON, La. – The North Texas men’s golf team is in prime position to defend its title at the Argent Financial Classic after the first 18 holes of play. The Mean Green powered through the cold and sits just one stroke off the lead in second place after shooting a 294. North Texas is only one shot behind Louisiana Tech, who clings to the lead heading into the final round of play.
The brutally cold conditions shortened the tournament from 54 holes to 36 holes as the teams played just one round today and will play the final round tomorrow.
NT has three players in the top-10 after the first round led by Juan Munoz, who shot an even-par score of 72 and is only two shots off the lead. Munoz played a steady round of golf with two birdies, only two bogeys and 14 pars. Munoz is tied for fourth place.
Jason Roets continued his strong play as he is tied for sixth place at 1-over par 73 after the first round. Roets was 3-over par after his first five holes, but played the final 13 holes at 2-under par. Freshman Cory Churchman is tied for ninth place after a 2-over par score of 74.
Churchman, like Roets, was 3-over par after just four holes, but then put together a 1-under par score the rest of the round to inch his way up the leaderboard.
Gonzalo Rubio is tied for 15th place at 3-over par 75, and much like the rest of his teammates, opened poorly but closed strong. After a double bogey on his opening hole, Rubio found himself at 5-over par after eight holes, but he posted three birdies over the last 10 holes and moved into the top-20.
Andrew Hudson is tied for 37th place after shooting a 79 while Julien Marot, playing as an individual, is also tied for 37th place after a 79.
Louisiana Tech shot a 293 and leads by one stroke as the Mean Green is going for a repeat as team champion after winning the event last season.
The final round is tomorrow morning and begins with a shotgun start at 8 a.m.
