Men's Golf Third After First Day of Firestone Invitational

Oct. 12, 2009

EAST LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan State men's golf team sits in third place, nine strokes off the lead, after the first day of the 2009 Firestone Invitational in Akron, Ohio on Monday. MSU shot a two-round score of 9-over par 585 (293-292) today. Play at Firestone Country Club will conclude for the Spartans tomorrow with 18 holes beginning at 9:33 a,m, ET.

Sophomore Dan Ellis has led the Spartans through the first two rounds, posting a 1-under 143 (72-71) and tying him for third. Ellis has a team-best eight birdies on the day. Senior Jack Newman is tied for seventh at 1-over 145 (72-73) with five birdies today.

Sophomore Chris Mory and freshman James Ross are among a group tied for 30th at 5-over 149. Mory posted rounds of 74-75, while Ross went 75-74. Mory had three birdies and the lone eagle of the day for the Spartans, and Ross carded five birdies. Senior Andrew Ladwig rounded out the Spartan five, sitting in a tie for 49th at 9-over 153 (79-74).

Eastern Michigan leads after Monday's action at even-par 576 (283-293), followed by St. Mary's (CA) at 1-over par 577 (291-286) and the Spartans. Western Carolina's Ricky Stout holds a narrow one shot lead going into tomorrow's final 18 holes with a 36-hole total of 5-over par 139 (69-70).

Live scoring for the Firestone Invitational can be followed by clicking here.