Ducks Struggle on Day One of Gifford Collegiate

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. – Oregon struggled in the opening rounds of the Gifford Collegiate in Newport Beach, Calif., at the Pelican Hill Resort. The Ducks as a team shot 298-288—582 (+22) tying No. 41 Tennessee for the bottom spot. Zach Foushee led the team carding 71-72—143 (+3) for a tie at 25th heading into the final round of play Tuesday.

“There was a little wind but it wasn't bad,” said head coach Casey Martin. “We just simply aren't playing well. We need a good round tomorrow to finish off the fall season.”

Top-ranked Alabama (-9) currently holds a three-stroke lead over the No. 34 Northwestern (-6) while No. 40 Southern Methodist and #29 Southern California is knotted up in the third spot.

Harry Higgs of Southern Methodist sits atop the individual leaderboard through the first two-rounds of play with a card of 66-66—132 (-8). Teammates Rico Hoey and Anthony Paolucci of Southern California are tied for second with identical scores (68-66—134 (-134)).

UO was in eighth for the majority of the first two rounds until a double bogey and pair of bogies pushed the Ducks to a tie with Tennessee at the ninth spot.

Thomas Lim fired a 72 in the first round, but like most of the Ducks roster today was plagued in the second round (+8) and finished the day in a tie for 48th. Brandon McIver, UO's third-best finisher through the first round at three-strokes over, fired off five bogies and a double bogey in the second round joining Lim at 48th (73-77—150 (+10)).

Sulman Raza struggled in the first round shooting nine-strokes over par, but rallied in the second round firing a 79-69—148 (+8). In his first varsity tournament, Brandon Baumgarten shot eight-over par but was able to put together a card of 78-70—148 (+8).

The Ducks will conclude their fall season at the Gifford Collegiate tomorrow, Nov. 4, at 7 a.m. on the Ocean North Course at the Pelican Hill Resort.

The Gifford Collegiate (Hosted by UCLA)
Pelican Hill Resort
Ocean North Course (Par-70/6.985 yards)

1.     #1 Alabama – (275-276—551 (-9))
2.     #34 Northwestern – (279-275—554 (-6))
T3. #40 Southern Methodist – (277-283—560 (E))
T3. #29 Southern California – (283-277—560 (E))
5.     #12 Washington – (277-284—561 (+1))
6.     #15 UCLA – (285-279—564 (+4))
7.     #101 Lamar – (286-285—571 (+11))
8.     #77 Coastal Carolina – (295-285—580 (+20))
T9. #41 Tennessee – (298-284—582 (+22))
T9. #54 Oregon – (294-288—582 (+22))