Steyn tied for for first, AU men tied for second after first round of Southland Conference golf tourney
By Chris Rickerson | Sports editor
Augusta University freshman Gareth Steyn shot a 1-under-par 71 to put himself tied for the lead in the Southland Conference Championship on Monday, April 25 in McKinney, Texas, at Stonebridge Ranch Country Club.
Steyn stands tied for first with Brady Bennett of the University of New Orleans and Joe Buenfeld of Incarnate Word.
The second-seeded Jaguars sit tied for second with the University of New Orleans, shooting a 299 total (11 over par). Southeastern Louisiana is in first at 297 in a very tight team contest.
Steyn led the Jaguars with six birdies, three bogeys and one double bogey.
“Gareth played very well, especially after a poor start,” said AU Coach Jack O’Keefe. “He fought back nicely and played steady golf, which is his strength.”
Sophomore Hampus Wijkstrom finished tied for sixth, shooting a 2-over-par 74. He finished with three birdies and five bogeys on his round.
Freshman CJ van Wyk stands tied for ninth, shooting a 3-over-par 75. He had three birdies, four bogeys and a double bogey on his round.
Junior Alex van Wyk finished tied for 23rd, shooting a 7-over-par 79. He had two birdies, seven bogeys and a double bogey in round one.
Sophomore Jack Vajda finished tied for 30th, shooting a 9-over-par 81. He finished with four birdies, three bogeys and five double bogeys in round one.
“Conference championships are always funds that is how our season is measured,” said O’Keefe. “We play to win championships. We are in a good spot, but we need to put a good round together (Tuesday) and give ourselves the best change going into the final round.”
The Jaguars’ group will begin teeing off at 10 a.m. (EDT). Leaders Steyn, Bennett and Buenfeld will tee off at 10:36 a.m. (EDT).
The Southland Conference champion will earn a automatic berth in the NCAA men’s Regional Championship on May 16-18, as well as the individual winner of the tournament.
The AU program announced last week that 2018 national champion Broc Everett has been hired as AU’s assistant golf coach.
Contact Chris Rickerson at crickerson@augusta.edu.
