LEXINGTON, Ky. ? The Eastern Kentucky University men?s golf team, led by senior Brandon Brown, fired a 36-hole 579 to jump out to an early lead over the rest of the tournament field in the 18th annual Johnny Owens Invitational. The tournament, which is being played at the University Club of Kentucky, began at 8 a.m., Friday morning with temperatures in the low 30s, winds gusting to 15 mph, and light rain. The host Wildcats finished the day in second-place after scoring a team 594 on the day.
The Colonels battled through the inclement weather conditions to post a 294 in the first round, followed by a tournament-best 285 in the second round. Brown was the day?s top golfer as he got out to an early lead with a 71 in round one and a tournament-low 68 in the second to finish at 139 through 36-holes.
Kentucky?s John Holmes and Byran Vahlberg from the University of Louisiana-Monroe finished the day in striking distance of Brown as they each shot a one-under par 143 for the day. Holmes is joined in the top-10 individual standings by teammates Tyler Wilson, who is playing as an individual and Brandon Waldrop. Wilson fired a 73 in round one and was tied for fourth before shooting 75 in round two. Wilson and Waldrop are currently tied for 10th heading into the third and final round of competition.
Other scores for the Kentucky team on Friday included Matt Wells with a 151 (77-74), Matt Kohn with a 152 (78-74) and Mark Blakefield with a 156 (81-75). Andrew Stephens (77-77), Mark Erlewine (81-75), Cale Barr (80-76) and Jack Hudson (81-80) are Kentucky golfers who are competing as individuals in addition to Wilson.
The final 18 holes of the Johnny Owens Invitational are set to tee off at 8 a.m. at the University Club of Kentucky on the Big Blue course. The event is open to the public and admission is free.
Kentucky Scores
T-2 John Holmes 75-68=143
T-10 Brandon Waldrop 75-73=148
T-10 Tyler Wilson* 73-75=154
T-14 Matt Wells 77-74=151
T-16 Matt Kohn 78-74=152
T-23 Andrew Stephens* 77-77=154
T-32 Mark Blakefield 81-75=156
T-32 Mark Erlewine* 81-75=156
T-32 Cale Barr* 80-76=156
T-57 Jack Hudson* 81-80=161
* Playing as an individual.
