CNU fourth among talented field after day one

HOWEY-IN-THE-HILLS, Fla. -- The Christopher Newport University men's golf team opened the 2011-12 season with an impressive first round today, sitting in fourth place at the Gordin Classic Division III Preview. Jonathan Howard led the way for CNU, posting a one-over 73 to sit in a tie for 11th individually.

The tournament features 17 nationally ranked teams, including the 18th ranked Captains of CNU along with nine of the top ten teams in the country. USA South foes and third-ranked Methodist University leads the tournament with a four-over par 292.

CNU finished the first day at +11, finishing with a 297, just five strokes off the lead. Howard posted a 36 on the front nine and 37 on the back. Just one stroke behind, two Captains are locked in a tie for 17th with a two-over par 74. Joseph Evans and Brian Jaeger each posted a two-under 34 on the front, followed by a 40 on the back nine.

Rounding out the scoring for CNU was newcomer Tanner Welsh, who finished tied for 33rd at +4 (36-40=76). Joseph Suarez is in a tie for 41st at +5 (36-41=77).

As a team, the Captains led the field in Par 4 scoring average at 4.14 with a seven-over par score for the day, four strokes ahead of Centre College for second on the Par 4's.

The season-opening tournament for CNU is one of the premier events this fall. The Captains will return to the course for two more rounds on Monday and Tuesday.

Gordin Classic NCAA D3 PreviewFin.

Team Scores1. #3 Methodist 292 (+4)

2. #5 Illinois Wesleyan 295 (+7)

3. #6 Huntingdon 296 (+8)

4. #18 Chris. Newport 297 (+9)

5. #14 Transylvania 299 (+11) #1 Greensboro 299 (+11)

7. #15 Gustavus Adolphus 301 (+13) #2 St. John's (Minn.) 301 (+13)

9. #4 Guilford 303 (+15) #10 Emory 303 (+15)11. #7 Oglethorpe 304 (+16) #9 Centre 304 (+16)13. #21 Wittenberg 306 (+18)

14. (RV) Ohio Wesleyan 311 (+23)15. #25 Bridgewater 314 (+26)16. #20 Millikin 315 (+27) #11 Texas-Lutheran 315 (+27)18. #17 Wisconsin-Eau Claire 318 (+30)

4. Christopher Newport 297 (+9)T11. Jonathan Howard 36-37 73 (+1)T17. Joseph Evans 34-40 74 (+2)T17. Brian Jaeger 34-40 74 (+2)T33. Tanner Welsh 36-40 76 (+4)

T41. Joseph Suarez 36-41 77 (+5)