BREMERTON, Wash. – UNC Greensboro senior Nathan Stamey carded a second round 76 at the NCAA West Regional on Friday to sit at seven-over par 151 after two rounds.
A triple-bogey on No. 17 proved costly for Stamey. He had gotten off to a great start with five straight pars, followed by an eagle at the par-5 sixth. Stamey gave one shot back with a bogey on No. 7. but then finished the front side with consecutive pars for a 39.
But the back nine proved tougher for the second straight day. Bogeys on Nos. 10, 12 and 13 put Stamey at two-over. He came back with a birdie at No. 14 and then made par on Nos. 15 and 16. But a triple-bogey seven at No. 17 in essence dropped Stamey 30 places in the standings. A par at No. 18 gave him a 41 for back side and a 76 for the day, good for a tie for 65th place for the tournament in the individual standings. Among the sixth individuals playing in the 141-person field, Stamey is currently fourth.
Oregon’s Joey Benedetti still holds the lead after two rounds, carding his second consecutive round of 69. Wisconsin’s Dan Woltman is in second, one shot back after carding a 68 on Friday. Washington’s Nick Taylor is third, two shots back.
Southern California gained the team lead on Friday, carding a 283 for a tournament total 574. The Trojans lead Oregon by five shots and Clemson by six.
It is the first time that a Spartan has earned a spot in the NCAA Tournament in the Division I era. The last UNCG men’s golfer to earn a spot in the tournament came 21 years ago when Todd Jackson earned a place in the Division III Tournament as an individual. Only one Spartan has ever won a national title – Ryan Fox in 1981.
A total of 30 teams – 10 from each regional – and six individuals not on a qualifying team will advance to the 2008 NCAA Division I Men's Golf Championship, May 28-31 at Purdue in West Lafayette, IN.
Stamey’s group will get underway on Saturday off the 10th tee at 9:02 am PT.
- UNCG -