Oregon men’s golf started strong in the NCAA Championships, but its performance quickly went south thereafter.
The Ducks sat atop the leaderboard briefly, as Zach Foushee and Aaron Wise paced them. The Concessions Club course in Brandeton, Florida became less forgiving as the day went on, however.
Wise shot a team-best 73 (+1) and Thomas Lim finished a stroke behind with a 74 (+2) scorecard.
It was important to for Wise, a freshman, and Lim, a sophomore, to get comfortable early, but for the Ducks to advance to match play on Monday, they’ll need better contributions from upperclassmen.
Senior Jonathan Woo, who carried the Ducks in the Pac-12 Championships and NCAA Regionals, shot a 76 (+4). Junior Brandon McIver shot a 78 (+6) due in large part to a triple-bogey on the 16th hole. And although Foushee started strong with two birdies on the first four holes, his performance dwindled as the day went on.
Illinois led the 30-team field shooting a combined two-under on the day. Georgia sat in second with an even scorecard and Pac-12 foe USC shot one-over to place third.
The Ducks have plenty of time to improve and get into the top eight. Tomorrow’s second round could make or break the Ducks’ national championship hopes.
Tomorrow, the Ducks will tee off at 4:50 am Pacific time.
Follow Will Denner on Twitter @Will_Denner