May 6, 2005
Final Stats
Middletown, R.I. - In anticipation of inclement weather on Saturday, the opening round of the 2005 Atlantic 10 Men's Golf Championship, played at the Newport National Golf Club in Middletown, RI, turned into a full day of golf with half the field completing 36 holes and everyone playing at least 27 holes.
Senior Tim Skufca shot an opening round 74 (+2) to find himself in seventh place after 18 holes on the par-72, 7,244-yard Newport National course. Skufca went out in 38, came home in 36, then carded a 37 to start Round Two before darkness fell on the course.
Through 27 holes, Xavier University leads the field of 11 with a team total of 427 strokes. While the Musketeers hold a commanding lead, only two strokes separate George Washington (451), defending A-10 Champions Rhode Island (453) and Richmond (453) for second place.
The Flyers sit in sixth place with a team total of 462 (+30) through 27 holes. UD is just nine strokes back of second-place GW. Junior Adam Myers posted a 115 (+7) through 27 holes while senior Brett Gould is one stroke back. Senior A.J. Quinter carded a 118 (+10) while Bill Everding shot a 121 (+13).
Xavier, who grabbed the top three spots through 27 holes, was fueled by sophomore Jason Kokrak who recorded a five-under 67 in the opening round of 18. Kokrak, the 2004 A-10 Rookie of the Year, equaled the course record set by PGA Tour Professional Bret Quigley after he opened play with an eagle on the first hole and went on to card six birdies on the afternoon. Through 27, Kokrak and senior teammate Neal Grusczynski lead the pack shooting 106, while freshman Andy Connell of Xavier and junior Billy Stewart of Saint Joseph's are tied for third (108).
A-10 Championship play will resume on Saturday morning when the teams which did not complete 36 holes will tee off at 8 a.m. to finish the second round. The final round, which will determine the A-10 Champion and an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, will be played on Sunday at 8 a.m.
For the most up-to-date scores, go to www.gorhody.com.
