April 19, 2002

Sea Island, Ga. – The University of Kentucky men’s golf team finished the opening round of the 2002 Southeastern Conference Championships in Sea Island, Ga., on Friday, April 19 in a tie for sixth place. The Wildcats shot a team score of 296 in their first-round effort and sit only 12 strokes back of the leading Florida Gators.

The Cats got solid rounds from several golfers who remain in contention for medallist honors. Freshman John Holmes continued his stellar play with a 1-over par 71 to find himself in a tie for fifth place. Seniors John-Gordon Beckett and Philip Schardein also finished the day with steady rounds, shooting a 73 and 74, respectively. Rounding out UK’s scoring was junior Andy Dustman with a 78 and junior Ryan Coyne with an 84.

Florida leads the team competition with an opening-day total of 284. The Gators’ Camilo Villegas sits alone atop the leader board after completing Friday’s round with a 68.

The SEC Championships will continue on Saturday with the second round. The tournament will conclude on Sunday with the third and final round. The action on both Saturday and Sunday is scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m.

Agate:1.Florida, 2842.Auburn, 2853.Arkansas, 2904.LSU, 2925.Vanderbilt, 2946.Kentucky, 296        Tennessee, 2968.Georgia, 298        Ole Miss, 29810.South Carolina, 30211.Alabama, 30512.Mississippi State, 306

Individuals1.Camilo Villegas, 682.Camilo Benedetti, 70 Beau Galyean, 70 Jay Mundy, 705.John Holmes, 71 Mark Donnell, 71 Codie Mudd, 71