by Hart Records Three Eagles, Gators tied for fifth in NIT. Florida is 10 strokes off the lead as six strokes or fewer teams split 2-4 going into tomorrow’s final round.
TUCSON, Arizona. – Florida men’s golfer Ryan Hart recorded three eagles on the first day as the Gators are tied for fifth place after the first two rounds in the NIT on Friday.
The Gators shot rounds of 282-285 to finish 9-under-par over 36 holes at the OMNI Tucson National. UF enters the final round tomorrow 10 shots behind leader USC as six shots or fewer teams split 2-4.
Making his first start in the lineup and fresh off his first collegiate victory, Hart made three eagles on the first day and two in the second round. Now the team leader in eagles (4), he tied a career low at 68 (-4) in the second set of 18 at 5-under with no bogey up front. His first eagle along with two birdies in the lineup put Florida ahead at 6 under par in the first round. The sophomore is tied for 14th and 3rd under overall.
Shooting his fourth straight round at par or under, Ricky Castillo is tied for 10th and is five shots behind the solo leader. He posted round 11 of his in the 60s with a round one of 68 (-4) and is 4 under par in 36 holes. The third Gator under par is Fred Biondi, who is tied for 31st at 1-under.
Redshirt freshman Matthew Kress was the third UF golfer to shoot in the 60s after his round one of 69 (-3). The performance tied his career low as he only had one bogey in the round. He is even and tied for 36th as Giovanni Manzoni is three strokes back at T56.
The orange and blue exit today at 11:15 am ET.
(Special to 1st and 10 Florida by Florida Athletics)
