April 4, 2011
AUSTIN, Texas —- The University of New Mexico men’s golf team finds itself tied for sixth place Monday after navigating the first two rounds at the Morris Williams Intercollegiate, held at the par 71, 7,412-yard University of Texas Golf Club. The Lobos carded a 44-over-par 317-295=612 over the first two rounds, knotting them with Pepperdine.
New Mexico, as well as the rest of the 14-team field, braved challenging elements through Monday’s first and second rounds that were plagued by thunderstorms early in the morning and gusty winds throughout the afternoon. The Lobos trail the host Longhorns by 12 strokes for the lead.
Spearheading the charge for New Mexico was the trio of Travis Ross, John Catlin and Tom Carlson, each closing the day in the top 15 individually.
Ross finds himself in a four-way tie for seventh after carding an 8-over 79-71=150. His even-par 71 was the second best score of the second round, trailing only individual leader Tom Hoge (TCU, -1 141), who notched a tourney-low 68. Ross improved from being tied for 30th at the end of the first round.
Catlin also made a significant improvement in the second round, moving 10 spots up the leaderboard with a 2-over 73 to couple with his first-round, 7-over 78. Catlin is tied with two others for 11th with a 9-over 151.
Carlson’s steady play landed him tied for 14th with five others at the end of the day. He carded identical, 5-over 76s to finish the day with a 10-over 152.
Sam Chavez (86-75=161, +19, T59th), Ryan Gay (84-79=163, +21, T65th) and Shane McDonald (79-87=166, +24, T73rd) are all also in action for the Lobos.
New Mexico tees off in the final round on Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. MST.