GAINESVILLE, Fla. ? The Kentucky men?s golf team started the new year where it left off in 2003 by shooting a day one 572 at the Gator Invitational and it is currently in third place behind No. 1 Florida (561) and Alabama-Birmingham (569). Kentucky is on pace to finish in the top-10 of its fifth tournament this school year in as many tournaments.

Junior John Holmes led the Wildcats by shooting a 140 through the first 36 holes. He is currently tied for fourth and is only three strokes behind current leader Chris Cousins of UAB. The 2003 All-American shot a first round 68, the second lowest single round score of the tournament. Fellow junior Mark Blakefield finished day one as Kentucky?s second-best performer as he registered a 142 and sits tied for eight with eight other competitors.

Kentucky?s other three golfers, sophomore Matt Kohn (146) and juniors Matt Wells (147) and Brandon Waldrop (148) finished the day in 35th, 46th and 53rd place.

The final 18 holes of the tournament, which is being held at the University Golf Course on the University of Florida?s campus, are set to begin Sunday, Feb. 1 at 8 a.m., but the weather forecast is calling for a 60 percent chance of showers through 11 a.m.