Upcoming Event: Men's Golf versus Bryan Bros Collegiate on September 29, 2025

2/14/2009 12:00:00 AM | Men's Golf
GAINESVILLE, FL -- The Duke University men's golf team is in third place at the SunTrust Gator Invitational after shooting a three-over 279-284=563 on Saturday. Clark Klaasen fired a four-under 66 in the opening round to lead the Blue Devils, while freshman Spencer Anderson paced Duke with a six-under 64 in the second round of play.
"We made a lot of birdies today as a group," said associate head coach Ryan Ressa. "We need to minimize our mistakes in the final round to finish this event off in a positive position. This is a great event on a great golf course."
Host Florida holds the 36-hole lead with a 15-under 545 (269-276) at the Mark Bostic Golf Course. Mississippi is second with a five-under 555, eight shots ahead of the Blue Devils. Florida's Toby Ragland holds the individual lead with a seven-under 133.
Klaasen is tied for 12th overall after shooting an even-par 66-74=140 on Saturday. The Grand Rapids, Mich., native carded five birdies, 12 pars and a bogey en route to a season-best 66 in the opening round. Klaasen started the second round well and was even-par through 13 holes before suffering four straight bogeys down the stretch.
"Clark [Klaasen] played as well as I have seen him play in the last year," added Ressa. "He was rolling his putts with confidence early and looks to be in great form early."
Junior Adam Long opened with an even-par 70 before shooting a one-over 71 in the second round of play despite gusting winds and heavy rain. He is tied for 14th overall. Long carded seven birdies on the day, including five in the opening round.
Anderson rebounded from an eight-over 78 in the first round to score a career-best 64 in Saturday's afternoon round. The Pacific Palisades, Calif., native recorded five birdies and an eagle on the 371-yard, par 4 14th hole in the second round. Anderson's six-under 64 in the second round was the best round of the day.
"Spencer's round in the afternoon was huge for our team," said Ressa. "He rebounded from a tough start this morning to give our team the spark we needed to stay within striking distance."
Senior Michael Quagliano is 60th after shooting a 70-77=147 (+7) on Saturday, while Wes Roach, a sophomore from Knoxville, Tenn., shot an eight-over 148 (73-75) and is tied for 61st overall.
Duke will be paired with Florida and Mississippi in the final round with action beginning at 9:10 a.m. off the first tee on Sunday.