Furman Starts Slow At SoCon Men's Golf Championships

April 16, 2006

Greenville, S.C. - The Furman men's golf team carded a first round 306 and stand in last place after the opening day of play at the Southern Conference Men's Golf Chasmpionships at the par 72 Links at Stono Ferry in Charleston, S.C., on Sunday.

Shane Birckbickler fired a three over par 75 first round to lead the Paladins and grab a share of 19th place entering Monday morning's second round. Birckbichler notched par on 12 of the final 13 holes and shot a one over 37 on the back nine to score the Paladins' top round of the day.

Chris Gilliland shot a 76 while Ben Goforth fired a 77 on the opening day of play. Jonathan Bowden rounded out the Furman foursome with a six over par 78.

Chattanooga and Charleston raced out the lead on Sunday as both teams posted a one under par 287. Despite ending round one in last place, Furman stands just three strokes out of sixth with 36 holes remaining.

Charleston's Scott Larkin, Chattanooga's Bryce Ledford and Georgia Southern's LeFerve forged a three-way tie firing three under par in round one.

Monday's second round action is slated for 8 a.m. with the final round to take place on Tuesday.

Full results are available at www.golfstatresults.com.