Both the men’s and women’s golf teams were on the road early this week in Florida — which was the only similarity in the two events.
While the women were getting the spring season started in Parrish — located in northern Florida the men were further south in Ponte Vedra Beach for their second tournament of the spring season.
The No. 13-ranked women went into the Central District Invitational as defending champions but could not protect their title. In the two day tournament the women finished in fourth place.
Leading the fourth place finish was LSU’s top finisher Vicky Meyer. The junior finished in 15th place at 7-over 223.
The women’s team finished behind first place Missouri. Arkansas placed second with Baylor finishing just above the Tigers in third.
“It was a decent start for us,” said women’s coach Karen Bahnsen in a press release. “We were so close several times to really having an outstanding round. We look forward to now having a couple of weeks to work on the things we need to in preparation for our next event.”
The women’s team does not compete again until next month when they travel to the University of South Carolina to participate in the Lady Gamecock Classic.
While the women enjoyed their moderate temperatures in northern Florida, the men battled through a tough course and crosswinds at the Mercedes-Benz Collegiate Championship.
“It was very windy and a very difficult golf course today,” said men’s coach Greg Jones in a press release. “There were a lot of crosswinds which we found uncomfortable. We really didn’t play poorly. We played alright and we’re still in the game.”
The Tigers ended the first day in fifth place led by sophomore Garrett Runion who posted a 3-over 75 — LSU’s lowest round of the day. In individual scores sophomore Chris Wells posted a 3-over 147. Wells’ efforts placed him in a tie for 10th place.
“Garrett was able to get through the course today without any major problems, and Chris hung in there today despite the tough conditions,” Jones said. “As a group they’re all playing pretty well. If we get a couple of things going our way and make a few putts we could come out of here with a good finish.”