Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State
NCAA Championships
Rain Suspends NCAA Men's Golf First Round
5/29/2002 12:00:00 AM | Men's Golf
May 29, 2002
COLUMBUS, Ohio- - The first round of the 2002 NCAA Men's Golf Championship was suspended at 3:26 p.m. Wednesday when heavy rains forced the afternoon teams off the Ohio State University Scarlet Course. Half of the field completed play. The 15 morning teams finished on-schedule despite a brief period of morning rain.
Donnie Wagner, NCAA liaison for the men's golf championship, said the condition of the course prompted the end of first round play.
"The bunkers are under water right now which causes a problem," Wagner said. "We're going to start tomorrow morning. We're not sure when, though.The committee will discuss tonight how tomorrow will run."
Fresno State is in 21st place with 290. They are expected to finish higher after all teams finish round one Thursday.
"I am really happy about our round," said Head Coach Mike Watney. "We didn't have a good day but it wasn't a bad one. By the time the round is over, we will move up in the standings. We need to play well Thursday because weather conditions may cause teams to be cut."
Leading for the Bulldogs is senior Jonathan Echols (Hanford, Calif.). He is tied for 44th with 71(E).
After feeling ill Tuesday, junior Nick Watney (Dixon, Calif.) finished just one over par today. He is tied for 66th with 72(+1).
"I am feeling better," said Nick Watney. "The antibiotics helped."
Sophomore Chad Spencer, who didn't qualify for the West Regional but did play in the WAC Championship, is tied for 95th with 73 (+2). Freshman Ryan Carter (Hacienda Heights, Calif.) is tied for 110 with 74 (+3). Senior Dustin Smith is tied for 133rd with 75 (+4).
Illinois was leading the event when play was suspended in the afternoon with 171 (-9). Georgia Tech is second with 245 (-8). The team completed 10 holes and Georgia Tech completed 13 holes.
Ben Portie, a senior from Colorado, is the leader with a 5-under 66. Sophomore Brock Mackenzie of Washington was 5-under through 14 holes when play was suspended.
