March 11, 2010
BANDON, Ore. – The Fighting Irish men’s golf team overcame some sideways rain and steady winds between 25-30 miles per hour to shoot an opening round 317 on Thursday to take hold of first place at the Bandon Dunes Championship in Bandon, Ore. The second round was also scheduled to take place on Thursday, but was suspended and pushed to Friday due to high winds, rain and hail. The Irish hold a seven stroke lead over second place Idaho.
After one round of play, sophomore Tom Usher (Bradford, England/Guiseley School) battled the high winds to tie for the individual lead by firing a plus-five 76 that was equaled by only David Nuhn of Idaho.
Senior Doug Fortner (Tustin, Calif./Foothill) claimed sole possession of third after one round, having carded a six-over par 77. Fortner’s classmate Josh Sandman (Greensboro, N.C./Southeast Guilford) shot an 80 to tie for 4th, giving the Irish three of the top five finishers after one round of play.
Max Scodro (Chicago, Ill./Notre Dame Prep (AZ)) shot an opening round 84 and Chris Walker (The Woodlands, Texas/The Woodlands) an 86, tying for 18th and 25th, respectively, through one round of play.
Jeff Chen (Walnut, Calif./Los Altos) entered the tournament as an individual and shot an opening round 82 to tie for 10th.
The Pacific Dunes course, rated as one of the top courses in the U.S. by both GolfDigest and Golf Magazine, is playing as a par 71 that is 6,536 yards in length for the Gonzaga University hosted tournament. The conclusion of the second round and the final third round of play will begin tomorrow, March 12 at 7:30 a.m. (PST). Weather permitting, a complete recap of Notre Dame’s second and third rounds will be posted on UND.com.
First Round Totals
1. Notre Dame (317)2. Idaho (324)3. Gonzaga (331)4. Boise State (3335. Weber State (334)5. Utah Valley State (334)7. British Columbia U. (342)
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