Simon in contention, Men’s Golf 3rd after opening round of the Claud Jacobs
Freshman Florian Simon put together a strong first day for the Texas A&M University-Victoria men's golf team at the Claud Jacobs Collegiate Invitational presented by Edward Jones-French Wealth Management and Discover Victoria.
The Frenchman sits in a tie for third place after rounds of 69-73—142 (2-under par) on Monday at the Victoria Country Club. That paced the Jaguars to third place as a team with rounds of 288-292—580 (+4) after the first 36 holes, but Weatherford College's 11-under score sets the pace for the field heading to the final round.
Simon opened the tournament at 3-over through the first nine holes in Round 1 before carding an eagle on the 500-yard Par 5 13th hole. That sparked a finish of six-under through the final nine holes of his opening round. He was tied for the second-most birdies among the field of 74 golfers.
He wasn't the only Jaguar to get an Eagle on Monday, either. Sophomore Charlie Ward had a tournament-leading pair of eagles in his two rounds – both on the 13th hole – to help him sit in a tie for 16th following rounds of 72-75—147.
Sophomore Brandon Gratton also found himself under par after the first day, going 73-70—143 (-1). The Edmonton, Alberta, native kept a tidy scorecard with 27 pars and five birdies across Monday's 36 holes.
Competing as an individual, Lucky Boonsrirat is one spot away from the Top 10 at T-11 following rounds of 76-70—146 (+4). The New Braunfels native posted three birdies against one bogey in his second round to become the third Jaguar to get into the red numbers under par.
Ethan Armendarez put together identical rounds, going 74-74—148 (+4) to sit in 22nd after Day 1.
Other Scores
Paul Chopin (78-81—159, 52nd); Individuals: Edgar Hinojosa (78-83—161, T-55), Connor Brown (91-89—180, 72nd).
Next up
The final round tees off at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday at VCC.