Brendon Jelley

The Cowboys trailed North Florida by seven entering the 2nd round and now sit four clear of the tournament hosts. Brandon Jelley led the charge, carding eight birdies including a stretch of seven in a 9-hole span. He finished at 4-under 68 which puts him in first place individually at 6-under par, three shots clear of North Florida's Phillip Knowles.

“I just tried not to do anything stupid,” Jelley told Golfweek of his streak. “I stick to my gameplan as much as I can and I let it come to me.”

The biggest move of the day was made by North Texas junior Cory Churchman who fired a tournament low 67 to move into a solo third. One round remains to crown team and individual champions.

ROUND ONE STORY

Difficult conditions met the 15-team field for the opening round of the John Hayt Collegiate Invitational hosted by Sawgrass Country Club.

Host North Florida handled the conditions the best, shooting a 5-over 293 to take a 5-shot cushion to the weekend over Jacksonville. Oklahoma State sits six shots back and 22-ranked UCLA is 10-shots behind.

North Florida was lead by freshman Phillip Knowles who had a stretch of four birdies on six holes on his back nine for a 2-under 70. Sophomore Dillon Woods contributed with a even-par 72 and senior Taylor Hancock added on a 74.

Knowles is tied with Oklahoma State's Brandon Jelley for the individual lead. 36 holes will be played over the weekend to decided the team and individual titles.