PINEHURST, N.C. – Kobdech "Game" Rodart and
Spencer Alexander battled through tough and dreary conditions to lead the Towson University men's golf team during the first round of the 2019 Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) championships.
Rodrat had consecutive birdies on the first and second holes and Alexander eagled on the sixth hole to highlight the Tigers performance during a windy and wet round that featured a 70-minute lightning delay. The starting tee times were adjusted in order to beat the impending inclement weather forecast for the mid to late afternoon.
Rodrat led the Tigers with a one-over 72 while Alexander finished with a five-over 76.
The first round was suspended at 4 p.m. ET due to lightning being detected within a 10-mile radius of the course, the third time during the day play was suspended. The day's final suspension came with the final group from Delaware, Drexel and Elon playing on the 18th hole. The threesome will resume play at 7:30 a.m. ET on Saturday, April 20.
Following the conclusion of the first round in the morning, teams will be repaired based on the first round leaderboard. The second round of the championship is scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. ET, with all competitors teeing off of No. 1.
Course Information
Pinehurst No. 8 Course
Par 71, 7,088 yards
Quotable
Rodrat on his round and the conditions.
"I was definitely pleased with my round. I didn't start off well, but I just kept grinding until I found my swing. Once I found it, I kept doing what I am supposed to do. (On the birdies on the first two holes), I gave myself good opportunities on the drives and placed myself in good positions. The wind and course conditions were very tough so I am actually happy with the results today."
Alexander on his eagle on the sixth hole and overall round.
"It was 155 (yards), I was over the ball and thinking that my round wasn't going in the right direction. I knew I pretty much needed to make (eagle). I made the swing and I see it going and it lands about five feet short of the tee and rolls in. I played well and I had some bad breaks. But I also had a good break with the eagle so you take it as it comes. For a couple of holes, it was perfect weather, but everybody had to play in it and it's up to us to have some focus."
Towson head coach Mike Larkin on Towson's performance.
"We were pretty fortunate that we were able to play a full round today. The restart and 70-minute delay got us. The wind was blowing pretty hard and howling so it can be tricky. Overall, we have some stuff to clean up and I think we'll clean it up for tomorrow. The weather over the weekend looks nice and I think we'll put ourselves back in position."
How It Happened
- Starting on the 10th tee, Towson is in eighth place after shooting 306.
- The first round featured two lightning delays.
- The second one occurred after Charleston, James Madison, UNCW, William & Mary, Hofstra and Towson finished play.
- At the time of the second suspension at 2:40 p.m. Eastern Time, two golfers shot under par.
- Rodrat, who was three under on the front nine, is tied for sixth overall.
- In addition to birdies on the first two holes, Rodrat had a birdie on the seventh hole.
- Rodrat finished the round with 10 consecutive rounds of par or better.
- A birdie on the second hole and an eagle on the sixth hole helped Alexander finish at even par on the front nine.
- William Bachelor carded a seven-over 78.
- His round was highlighted with a birdie on the 14th hole.
- Justin Griffith and Jackson Courtney each finished with a nine-over 80.
Up Next
- The second round is Saturday. Tee times will be announced later.
