Fresno State Athletics
Dark Suspends Second Round of Lexus Classic
3/8/2010 12:00:00 AM | Men's Golf
March 8, 2010
FRESNO, Calif. - The Bulldog men's golf team battled a tough field and tough conditions at the San Joaquin Country Club on Monday. At the end of the day, they even battled nightfall.
The Dogs and the rest of the field were unable to complete the second round of 18-holes on Tuesday afternoon and will be forced to finish the round early Tuesday morning before playing the third and final round.
The tournament was played under blustery and cool conditions for most of the day. The Bulldogs are tied for 10th place in the 16-team field, shooting 28-over par. The Dogs have between three and six holes remaining in the second round. Fresno State is one shot back of Sacramento State and four behind UC-Irvine and Cal. The Oregon Ducks, rated No. 3 in the nation, are 10-shots ahead of Fresno State. Washington, the defending tournament champions are leading at 4-over par, followed by Pepperdine at 5-over par.
"It was a tough day out there with the conditions," said head coach Mike Watney. "Our guys have never played San Joaquin (Country Club) under these types of conditions and obviously we didn't handle it very well. We still have quite a few holes to play, and we want to be able to move up the leader board. When you have six players (instead of a normal five), you can make a big swing, but we will have to play much better in the morning."
Sophomore Bhavik Patel is leading the team, standing at 1-over par after 33 holes of play. He's 1-under par on his current round that includes four birdies.
"Bhavik is obviously playing well," said Watnety. "He's an excellent player and we have high hopes for him tomorrow."
Adam Barkow is also 1-under for his second round and is tied for 31st in the tournament. He has one hole remaining in the second round.
Michael Gideon and 2009 WAC Player of the Year Grant Doverspike are both 6-over par and tied for 46th.
Brian Hogan, who was coming off the best tournament of his career, is 12-over par and Brian Sunker is tied for 80th at 13-over par.
The Bulldogs are playing with Washington, Oregon and San Diego. The teams will resume action at 8 a.m. and playing the remaining holes of the second round and then will continue the final round in a shotgun format.
"We are Your Team" The Bulldog men's golf team concluded the final day of the Fresno Lexus Classic on Tuesday beginning at 8 a.m. at San Joaquin Country Club. Admission is free.
