Duke In Second Place At John Hayt Invitational

Sunday, February 28

Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.

All Day

Duke University

Day One

Blue Devils Tied for Second at ACC Championship

Duke In Second Place At John Hayt Invitational

2/28/2010 4:00:00 PM | Men's Golf

By: Duke Sports Information

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FLA. - Duke fired a team score of 294 (+6) to place second after one round of play at the John Hayt Collegiate Invitational at the Sawgrass Country Club. Senior Adam Long recorded the lowest round for Duke, carding an even-par 72.

"This is one of the strongest challenges we will have all year," head coach Jamie Green said. "The golf course is so good and the wind blows regularly. It tests every bit of your game and that is why it is a good thing for us to experience."

The Blue Devils bounced back from a tough front-nine to post two back-nine scores under-par. Sophomore Spencer Anderson shot a 35 on his final nine holes, while Adam Sumrall recorded a team-best 33 coming in. Anderson and Sumrall both posted rounds of 74.

"You just have to get though those first couple holes and then there are some scoring opportunities later on in the back nine," Long said. "I think we took advantage of those [later] holes."

Long played steady golf, notching three birdies to offset three bogies to card his even-par round. The senior from St. Louis, Mo., currently sits in a tie for fifth place, just three shots off the pace.

"I just made some solid putts to get up-and-down; I had some close chips which makes it a lot easier," Long said. "I played pretty solid. I just stayed with it and making good decisions is key for me. I hit some great shots out there and some nice putts, so overall it was a good day."

Junior Wes Roach shook off an early double-bogey by making three birdies on his round to enter the clubhouse with a 74 (+2). Roach went out in 37, while also coming in at 37.

Julian Suri, a freshman from St. Augustine, Fla., fired an 80 in his first round.

Duke is just five shots back of host team North Florida, who carded a team score of 289 (+1) at its home course. Joe Byun of North Florida also leads all individuals after his round of 69 (-3).

"Every player for us remained patient and played solid golf," Green added. "You have to remain patient if you want to play well. I am really pleased with how the guys handled themselves out there."

The Blue Devils will begin second-round play tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. Live scoring is available at golfstat.com.

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