Red Hot Kohles Leads the Field at The Schenkel

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Statesboro, GA – Virginia senior men’s golfer Ben Kohles kept up his outstanding play of late during Friday’s first round of The Schenkel Invitational in Statesboro, Ga. Kohles shot 7-under 65 to lead the field and help the 26th-ranked Cavaliers to a fifth-place standing after the first day of competition. Kohles scorecard included seven birdies and no bogeys.

It is the second time this year Kohles has posted a round of 7-under 65. He did it in the season opener at the VCU Shootout. In two tournaments this spring, Kohles has a victory and runner-up finish. He entered The Schenkel ranked No. 31 in the nation in the latest Golfweek standings.

As a team Virginia shot 5-under 283 to open the tournament. Alabama, ranked No. 7, grabbed a huge opening round lead by shooting 20-under 268. The Crimson Tide score set a tournament scoring record for the event. Florida and Mississippi are tied for second at 280. Second-ranked Auburn is one shot ahead of UVa on the leaderboard.

Kohles wasn’t the only Cavalier to post a top-10 opening round score. Ben Rusch recorded a season-best score of 4-under 68 to end the day in seventh place. Ji Soo Park shot 74 and is in 48th place, Denny McCarthy is 62nd at 76 and Bruce Woodall carded a round of 78 and is 75th overall. Mac McLaughlin playing as a non-scoring individual was 24th at 72.

The second round of The Schenkel is set for Saturday with the final round will be contested Sunday. Live scoring is online at Golfstat.com.

Schenkel Invitational
Forest Heights Country Club
Statesboro, GA
Par-72, 6,962 yards
First Round Results

Team Results
1. Alabama 268
2. Florida 280
2. Mississippi 280
4. Auburn 282
5. Virginia 283
6. Kentucky 286
6. North Florida 286
6. UAB 286
9. Notre Dame 289
10. South Carolina 293
11. Georgia Southern 296
12. Minnesota 300
13. NC State 301
14. Vanderbilt 304

Individual Leaders
1. Ben Kohles, Virginia 65
2. Blayne Barber, Auburn 66
2. Joe David, Mississippi 66
2. Justin Thomas, Alabama 66
2. Bobby Wyatt, Alabama 66
6. Cory Whitsett, Alabama 67
7. Blake Morris, Mississippi 68
7. Ben Rusch, Virginia 68

Virginia Results
1. Ben Kohles 65
7. Ben Rusch 68
48. Ji Soo Park 74
62. Denny McCarthy 76
75. Bruce Woodall 78
24. Mac McLaughlin* 72
* Playing as a non-scoring individual