May 15, 2008

EAST LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan State men's golf team posted an opening round one-over par 285 today at the NCAA East Regional, held at Council Fire Golf Club in Chattanooga, Tenn. Currently, the Spartans, the region's eighth seed, are tied for 14th and are four strokes behind the final NCAA Championship qualifying position.

Freshman Graham Baillargeon led the way with a first round one-under par 70 and is tied for 33rd. Baillargeon had five birdies today. Fellow freshman Payne Gniewek also had a strong regional debut, carding an even par 71 to put him in a tie for 46th. His round included two birdies, two bogeys and 14 pars.

Both senior Ryan Brehm and sophomore Jack Newman fired one-over par 72 and among a group tied for 60th. Newman had three birdies, while Brehm shot a pair. Rounding out the Spartans was junior Randy Hutchison, who is tied for 107th with a four-over 75, including two birdies.

No. 1 seed Georgia leads the way with a 19-over par 265. No. 17 seed Augusta State is currently second at 11-over 273 and No. 18 seed SMU at eight-over 276. Augusta State's Henrik Norlander and Georgia's Hudson Swafford are the individual leaders with an opening round six-under par 65.

The Spartans tee times tomorrow begin at 7:47 a.m. off the 10th hole.