March 13, 2009
Results
LAS VEGAS - The UNLV men's golf team, ranked 31st in the Golfweek/Sagarin Performance Index, shot an opening-round 3-under-par 285 on Friday at the Southern Highlands Collegiate Championship, which is being hosted by the Rebels, the Las Vegas Founders and Southern Highlands Golf Club (par 72, 7,510 yards), and trail No. 4 Clemson by just two shots.
The Tigers shot a first-round 5-under 283 to lead the field. After UNLV, Arizona follows in third at 1-under, No. 10 Georgia Tech is fourth at 1-over and No. 6 Florida rounds out the top five at 2-over.
The tournament features six of the top-10 teams in the country and 11 of the top 25.
There is a four-way tie for first place after the first 18 holes. UNLV's Colby Smith, No. 2 USC's Matthew Giles, No. 1 Georgia's Ben Martin and Georgia Tech's Cameron Tringale all shot 5-under 67 on Friday and lead Arizona's Tyler Neal by a shot. Clemson's Phillip Mollica is sixth at 3-under.
Other UNLV team-counting scores and places: Brett Kanda (72, T13th), Derek Ernst (73, T17th), Eddie Olson (73, T17th) and Ji Moon (74, T23rd).
UNLV players playing as individuals, scores and places: Jeremiah Wooding (73, T17th) and Johnny Pinjuv (92, 80th).
There are 15 total teams competing in the event.
The public is welcome to attend the tournament. Admission is free. Play will continue with 18 holes on Saturday and conclude with 18 more on Sunday. Teams begin teeing off at 8 a.m.
