March 19, 2011
STATESBORO, Ga. – The 27th-ranked University of Notre Dame men’s golf team earned a share of seventh place after the second round of the Schenkel Invitational on Saturday at Forest Heights Country Club. The squad carded a one-under par, 287, to run their two-day total to 578 (+2). Niall Platt (Santa Barbara, Calif.) continues to lead the Irish individually after the first 36 holes, holding a share of 10th place overall at three under par (141).
“The team played a pretty good round, but like yesterday, lost eight to 10 shots as a team around the greens,” said Irish head coach Jim Kubinski. “The talent is here. We just need a few more rounds outdoors.”
Auburn continues to be the team to beat after the second round, leading second place Florida by six strokes with a two-round score of 554 (-22). The Gators’ Bank Vongvanij remains atop the individual leaderboard at 10-under par (134) after 36 holes.
For the Irish, Platt’s second round concluded at even par (72), put together by 10 pars, four birdies and four bogeys. The freshman strung together three consecutive birdies on holes five through seven on the front side, but faltered a bit down the stretch, playing at two-over par in the remaining 11 holes.
“Niall played very well,” stated Kubinski. “He made two tough bogeys on par fives when he was greenside in two. He was two good chips away from a score of 68. He’s making great strides and I love the way he handles himself out on the course.”
Junior Tom Usher (Bradford, England) moved up the leaderboard during his second round, carding a three under par 69. He posted only two bogeys on the day to go along with five birdies. Usher played the front side at two under par (34) after getting back-to-back birdies on holes seven and eight. After 36 holes, Usher is tied for 22nd at one under par (143).
“Tom played a superb round,” remarked Kubinski. “His score was as high as it could have been. He gave himself great chances today. I’m pleased his hard work is showing up.”
Sophomore Paul McNamara III (Palos Verdes Estates, Calif.) played a consistent round of golf for the Irish on day two, carding 12 pars along with three birdies and three bogies to finish at even par (72). After two days, he is tied for 43rd at two over par (146).
“Paul really hit several superb iron shots today,” said Kubinski. “Similar to Tom, his score of 72 was about as high as it could be. He hit several approaches within 10 feet, even a couple within five feet, where he came up empty. He hit good putts. It’s only a matter of time before his scores go low.”
Chris Walker (The Woodlands, Texas) did not post a score toward the team count on day two, finishing his round at three over par (75). The junior battled through a very up-and-down day that saw him record eight bogeys, three birdies and an eagle while only carding six pars. He stumbled down the final six holes, posting four consecutive bogeys on holes 13 through 16. Walker’s 36-hole total of 149 (+5) remains fourth amongst the Irish rotation and has him in a share of 56th overall.
“Chris had a great eagle on 12 after a five iron from 210 yards landed within six inches; just too many putts today,” stated Kubinski. “He had 36 putts to shoot three over, when normally 30-31 is acceptable. When he straightens that out, we’ll see sub-70 scores from him.”
Junior Max Scodro (Chicago, Ill.) was the final ball counted toward the team score on Saturday after he carded a two over par, 74. Scodro recorded five birdies on the day and played the front nine at even par (36), but was hurt by double bogeys on the fourth and 10th holes. After 36 holes, he sits at seven over par (151) and shares 62nd place overall.
“Max played well,” remembered Kubinski. “His short game cost him a couple of strokes for sure, but he’s starting to look like himself again. He really did a great job of staying positive and battling.”
The Irish take to the course for the final round on Sunday at approximately 8:00 a.m. (ET) alongside Tennessee and Minnesota.
Be sure to check back with und.com for a complete recap of the Irish at the final round of the Schenkel Invitational.
Schenkel Invitational - Forest Heights Country Club, Par 72 - 6,962 Yards
Top-Five Team Scores (36-hole totals):1. Auburn 554 -222. Florida 560 -163. LSU 564 -124. Virginia 565 -115. N.C. State 570 -6
Top-Six Golfers (36-hole totals):1. Bank Vongvanij, Florida 134 -102. Niclas Carlsson, Auburn 136 -83. Blayne Barber, Auburn 138 -6T4. Ben Kohles, Virginia 139 -5T4. Phillip Choi, Florida 139 -5T4. Austin Gutgsell, LSU 139 -5
Notre Dame Scores (36-hole totals):T10. Niall Platt 141 -3T22. Tom Usher 143 -1T43. Paul McNamara III 146 +2T56. Chris Walker 149 +5T62. Max Scodro 151 +7
–ND–