FORT WORTH, Texas – Stellar second rounds from Greg Solhaug and Nate Stember highlighted day one of the Ben Hogan Collegiate Invitational for the 22nd-ranked Oregon men’s golf team on Monday. The Ducks shot 3-under overall in the first two rounds and are fifth on a leaderboard that boasts 13 other top-25 programs.
How It Happened
Three Ducks played steady golf in the opening round as Owen Avrit, Solhaug and Stember each shot even par and positioned themselves among the top 25 after the first 18 holes. Solhaug elevated his game in the second round, firing four birdies to shoot a 3-under 67 and finish his day tied for ninth in the standings. Stember followed closely behind as he shot a 2-under 68 in the second round, putting the fifth-year senior in a tie for 15th entering the final day of play.
Avrit and Greyson Leach each sit just outside the top 25 after 36 holes as each of the Ducks shot 1-over through two rounds. Avrit sank four birdies in his opening round before going 1-over in the second, while Leach bounced back from an opening 71 by shooting even in the second with the help of four birdies.
Solhaug and Stember’s performances powered a 4-under 276 second round for the Ducks, putting them at 3-under overall as the tournament enters the finals day of play.
Quotable
“The guys hung in there and played well today,” head coach Casey Martin said. “There is a lot to learn with this golf course, and I feel like the guys handled the challenge well. We need to have a strong finish tomorrow.”
Duck Scorecard
Ben Hogan Collegiate Invitational
Shady Oaks Country Club – Par 70 (6,885 yards)
5. Oregon 281-276—557 (-3)
T9. Greg Solhaug 70-67—137 (-3)
T15. Nate Stember 70-68—138 (-2)
T26. Owen Avrit 70-71—141 (+1)
T26. Greyson Leach 71-70—141 (+1)
T72. Aiden Krafft 74-77—151 (+11)
Notable
Nate Stember brought his career birdie total to 416, tied with Andrew Vijarro (2008-12) for the seventh most by any Duck since 1993-94…Oregon is second in the field in par-3 scoring with an average of 3.03; Stember leads all individuals with an average of 2.50 (-4) on par-3 holes…The Ducks are third in the field with 118 pars.
Next Up
The final round of the Ben Hogan Collegiate Invitational will be played tomorrow, with tee times beginning at 6 a.m. PT.
