April 16, 2010

ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. — University of Kentucky men’s golf senior Ben Fuqua and freshman Chase Parker concluded the first 18 holes in a tie for 36th after posting 3-over-par 73 scores at the Southeastern Conference Championships on Friday. As a team, the Wildcats sit in 11th place, posting a 16-over-par 296 at Sea Island Golf Club.

Fuqua started the day strong for the Wildcats, carding a 2-under-par 33 on the front nine to sit towards the top of the individual leaderboard. The native of Danville, Ky., scored two birdies in the first nine holes while not posting a single over-par hole.

Parker started the day with an impressive birdie on the par-3 third hole. Parker finished the tournament with two birdies. The native of Augusta, Ga., ended the round by posting either a par or birdie on each of the final five holes.
 
Senior Jordan Blann wrapped up the opening round one stroke behind Fuqua and Parker with a 4-over-par 74.  Blann ended the day with two birdies, both coming on the front nine. The native of Bowling Green, Ky., carded a 1-over-par 36 on the front nine second only to Fuqua on the UK team. The senior sits tied for 44th after the first round.

Junior Brian Belden (Emmaus, Pa.) and sophomore Mads Kristensen (Denmark) wrap up the UK rotation with Belden posting a 6-over-par 76 and Kristensen carding a 10-over-par 80. Belden stands in a tie for 50th and Kristensen tied for 56th heading into the second round.

No. 29 Arkansas leads the tournament after a 2-under-par 278 to open the tournament, while Bryden Macpherson of Georgia and Dalton Owens of Arkansas are tied for the individual lead at 3-under-par.

The SEC Championships will resume Saturday with the second round of play at Seaside Course. Kentucky players will tee off starting at 8:50 a.m. ET on No. 10. Live stats are available on ukathletics.com through golfstat.com.