Vandy's hot finish creates 8-shot lead in Tavistock opener

WINDERMERE, Fla. (Oct. 21, 2018) – Only three bogeys found Vanderbilt scorecards over the back nine at Isleworth Country Club on Sunday. The Commodores needed that kind of error-free golf to pull away from a stacked Tavistock Collegiate field. With 36 holes left to play, every stroke matters.

Vanderbilt’s 9-under finish over the closing nine holes helped the team to an opening 12-under 276 on Sunday. The Commodores not only paced the field, but also led in par-3 scoring (2.85), par-4 scoring (4.60), and birdies (20) en route to an eight-shot lead over Auburn and California. Both chasers finished the day at 4-under 284. Cal is the defending champion in the event.

"Today was a good start, but we know our actions determine our outcomes so we have to continue to play with patience and passion, and enjoy our climb," Vanderbilt head coach Scott Limbaugh said. "We also need all five guys in there competing and playing Vandy golf."

On Sunday, Vanderbilt got a big push from three of its players. Will Gordon had only one bogey all day combined with nine birdies for an 8-under 64 that left him with the individual lead. Patrick Martin is T-5 with 68 and John Augenstein is T-7 with 69.

Auburn counted a 5-under 67 from Brandon Mancheno and Cal counted the same score from K.K. Limbhasut. It left both men tied for third. If Cal is going to defend its title, it needs more scores like Limbhasut’s. On Sunday, Cal also got top-15 performances from Collin Morikawa (70, T-11) and Sebastian Crampton (71, T-15).

"Even with KK's stellar round, and Collin and Sebastian shooting under par today, we still find ourselves well behind Vanderbilt," Chun said. "We'll need a great performance from all five players tomorrow to cut into Vanderbilt's lead, but we have fire very accomplished golfers so let's see what we can do tomorrow."

Information from Vanderbilt Athletics, Cal Athletics used in this report