Johnson Leads Men’s Golf to Top-3 After Round One of Regionals
5/14/2018 5:16:00 PM | Men's Golf
KISSIMMEE, Fla.- Senior Chase Johnson battled the rain at the Watson Course on his way to a 5-under par opening round on Monday, helping Kent State earn a top-3 spot and stay in contention on day one of the NCAA Kissimmee Regional.
The Golden Flashes collectively shot 8-under par 280 for sole possession of third place. Kent State trails leaders Florida and Central Florida, who are tied for first, by only four-strokes. The top-5 teams in the field after three rounds will advance to the NCAA National Championship.
Senior Chase Johnson leads the Flashes and tournament in a three-way tie for first-place after carding the round's lowest score of 5-under par 67. After a bogey on his second hole, Johnson went 16 holes par or less and birdied seven times. The senior went on a streak and birdied the 554-yard 17th hole, the 431-yard 18th hole, and closed the run with the 562-yard hole one that put him at 4-under. Johnson followed up with birdies on five and six that helped close out his day at 5-under par.
A stroke behind Johnson is Ian Holt, who's 4-under par 68 score is tied for fifth overall. Holt was steady throughout the day and birdied his first hole, followed by eight straight pars. The senior finished the back nine with three birdies and ended the first round bogey-free. Gislie Sveinbergsson ended the day at 1-under par 71 and sits in a tie for 21st. Sveinbergsson recorded three birdies and was under par after his final nine holes and went 17 holes par or better.
Josh Gilkison finished the day tied for 47th after carding a 2-over par 74. He finished the round with three birdies. Bjarki Petursson rounds out Kent State in 72nd. He finished the day with a 7-over par score of 79.
The Flashes will tee off at 7:30 a.m. in round two tomorrow. For live results, follow the team on golfstat.com.
