The Long Beach State men’s golf team finished day one of the Big West Conference Championships in fifth place. The 49ers recorded a two-round total of 15-over par 591 at the San Luis Obispo Country Club.
UC Davis leads the field of eight teams with a 577 as the Aggies hold a two-stroke lead over second place UC Irvine with a 579 and five-strokes over third place Pacific.
Despite the hot temperatures dominating the course, the 49ers were able to improve from seventh place tie with UC Santa Barbara with an opening round score of 305 to shoot a 286 in the afternoon round.
Junior Michael Drake was the top 49er as he sits tied for fifth with a two-under 142 and remains just four strokes off the lead. Drake carded an opening round of 76 to finish tied for 20th, but came back with a tournament low of 66 as he leapfrogged his way into the top-five and stay within striking distance.
Junior Steve Gibson finished in a four-way tie for 10th with a one-over 145. Gibson shot a 77 in the first round to tie for 29th and fired a 68 in the afternoon session to finish in the top-10.
Freshman Kevin Lim finished the day tied for 17th with a four-over 148. Lim shot a 76 in the first half of the day to tie for 20th and improved by four-strokes with a second round score of 72.
Freshman Austin Love sits in 33rd with a 156 (76-80) , followed by Kevin Roy tied for 34th with a 157 (77-80).
“While the morning was rough, I was proud of the team’s comeback in 95 degree heat,” said head coach Bill Poutre. “Drake and Gibson had great rounds in the afternoon and Kevin Lim was solid as usual.”
Final round play begins on Tuesday morning at 7:15 a.m. Live action can be followed at www.golfstat.com
2009 BIG WEST CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS – Team Results
1. UC Davis (291-286–577)
2. UC Irvine (292-287–579)
3. Pacific (294-288–582)
4. UC Riverside (287-296–583)
5. LONG BEACH STATE (305-286–591)
6. UC Santa Barbara (305-295–600)
7. Cal Poly (300-301–601)
8. Cal State Northridge (300-302–602)
LONG BEACH STATE – Individual Results
T5. Michael Drake (76-66–142)
T10. Steve Gibson (77-68–145)
T17. Kevin Lim (76-72–148)
33. Austin Love (76-80–156)
T34. Kevin Roy (77-80–157)
2009 BIG WEST CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS – Individual Results
1. Andrew Patipaksiril, UC Riverside (67-71–138)
2. Michael Im, UC Irvine (73-67–140)
3. Geoff Gonzalez, Cal Poly (70-71–141)
3. Scott Clayton, UC Riverside (70-71–141)
5. Brent Booth, UC Davis (72-70–142)
5. Michael Drake, LONG BEACH STATE (76-66–142)
7. Ramie Sprinkling, UC Davis (72-71–143)
7. Alex Johnson, Pacific (73-70–143)
Report By LBSU Sports Information Department