March 18, 2011

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Freshman Cody Martin shot a team-best score of even-par 72 to sit tied for 15th, while the University of Kentucky men’s golf team also sits in 15th place after the opening round of the Schenkel Invitational in Statesboro, Ga., on Friday.

Martin paced the Wildcats all day, including starting the round off at 3-under-par to grab a share of the lead. Martin was brilliant on the front nine, scoring a 3-under-par 33 with four birdies in his final five holes. The native of Union, Ky., earned six birdies total in the opening round en route to the impressive score.

Sophomore Chase Parker finished second on the UK team with a 3-over-par 75 to sit in a tie for 46th, while freshman Stephen Powers followed with a 4-over-par 76 to finish tied for 53rd. Parker, a native of Augusta, Ga., scored only one birdie during the first round but posted an impressive eagle on the par-5 12th hole. Powers, a native of Naperville, Ill., had three birdies in the first round.

Sophomores Seth Blann and Joseph Barr wrap up the UK rotation with Blann finishing in 83rd with an 11-over-par 83, while Barr posted a 12-over-par 84 to sit in 84th. Junior Mads Kristensen, who is playing in the tournament as an individual, earned a 4-over-par 76 in the opening round to sit tied for 53rd.

As a team, the Wildcats are 15th after an opening round score of 18-over-par 306. Southeastern Conference foes Auburn, Florida and LSU sit first, second and third on the leaderboard, respectively. Bank Vongvanij of Florida is first on the individual leaderboard at 6-under-par.

The second round will be played Saturday with the final round scheduled for Sunday. Live scores from both days can be found at golfstat.com.