RIO MAR, P.R. (Feb. 27) — Georgia Tech junior Bryce Molder finished as the first round leader Sunday, February 27, with a five-under-par 67 to help the Yellow Jackets tie Clemson for the team lead at four under par after the first round of the San Juan Shoot Out. Play is being held at Rio Mar Country Club’s Westin Resort Ocean Course (6,782 yards, par 72) and River Course (6,945 yards, par 72).
Molder, from Conway, Ark., and the nation’s second-ranked individual, came home in 34-33–67 on the River Course to pace the Jackets. He ended the day one stroke ahead of Clemson’s D.J. Trahan and Florida State’s Kris Hannah, who each carded four-under 68s.
The Yellow Jackets, ranked No. 1 in the Golfweek computer ranking, received top-20 finishes senior Carlton Forrester (Gainesville, Ga.) and sophomore Kris Mikkelsen (Woodstock, Ga.), who each fired opening-round pars of 72. Senior Matt Kuchar (Lake Mary, Fla.) was one stroke back at one-over 73 to end in tie for 32nd, while redshirt-freshman Troy Matteson (Austin, Texas) was tied-for-48th after a first day three-over 75.
Tech is coming off of a victory at the Waikoloa Intercollegiate, where Molder and Kuchar, the nation’s fifth-ranked player, finished as co-medalists. Tech has two victories, one second place and five top-five finishes as a team this year, which has allowed it to enjoy the nation’s top ranking this year, one spot ahead of ACC-rival Clemson. The Jackets have finished as the runner-up in Puerto Rico the last two seasons.
The tournament continues with 18 holes Monday and Tuesday.
First Round Results1. Georgia Tech 284 Clemson 2843. Duke 286 NC State 2865. Wake Forest 2876. Northwestern 289 North Carolina 2898. Purdue 2909. Kent 29310. E. Tennessee St. 294 Georgia 29412. Florida State 29613. Colorado 29714. Minnesota 30015. Virginia 301Top 10 Individuals1. Bryce Molder, Ga. Tech 672. D.J. Trahan, Clemson 68 Kris Hannah, Florida St. 684. David Sanchez, NC State 695. Luke Donald, Northwestern 70 Ryan Cate, Purdue 70 Paul Daniel, North Carolina 70 Jon Mills, Kent 70 Martin LeMesurier, Minnesota 70 Kevin Streelman, Duke 70Georgia Tech Individuals1. Bryce Molder 67t-18. Carlton Forrester 72 Kris Mikkelsen 72t-32. Matt Kuchar 73t-48. Troy Matteson 75
