Clemson sets record, takes lead with hot opener in Hawaii

LAHAINA, Hawaii (Nov. 2, 2018) – Everything is just better in Hawaii. Clemson put a number to that Friday in the opening round of the Ka’anapali Collegiate with a new scoring record. The Tigers opened with a 22-under 262 at Ka’anapali Golf Course to take a four-shot lead after 18 holes.

Freshman Zack Gordon’s 8-under 63, sophomore Turk Pettit’s 65 and freshman Jacob Bridgeman’s 66 were crucial in helping Clemson get so low. Veteran Bryson Nimmer added a 68 that matches his season scoring average.

It’s the lowest team round in school history in terms of total score and score vs. par. Clemson set its previous record of 20-under 264 also at Ka’anapali in 2016 on the way to a team victory.

Gordon, whose round included seven birdies and an eagle, became just the sixth Clemson player to post a round of 63 or better. He and Cal's Patrick Murphy share the individual lead.

California also went low in the first round, posting its second-best round of the fall, an 18-under 266. Georgia is another two shots back in third at 16 under. More than half of the 20 teams in the field are under par.

Information from Clemson Athletics used in this report