15th-ranked Clayton State tied for eighth after first round at Aflac/Cougar Invitational
Lakers’ Lee tied for sixth overall at 2-under-par 69

COLUMBUS, Ga. – October 5, 2009 – Despite a steady rain throughout the day, the Clayton State Laker men’s golf team got off to a solid start on Monday at the Aflac/Cougar Invitational. The 15th-ranked Lakers are currently tied for eighth overall after shooting a 7-over-par 291 for the opening round at the Green Island Country Club.

Clayton State is currently tied for eighth with West Georgia and 20th-ranked Valdosta State. The Lakers hold a one-stroke lead over sixth-ranked Florida Southern, a two-stroke lead over fifth-ranked Lynn and 14th-ranked West Florida and a four-stroke advantage over top-ranked Georgia College, second-ranked Columbus State and Carson-Newman.

Eighth-ranked North Alabama leads the 21-team field after the first round with a 4-under 280, three strokes ahead of third-rated Barry. Rain delayed the start of the tournament, and that delay caused a stoppage of play because of darkness to end the day. Three groups were still on the course and will finish on Tuesday, beginning at 7:30 a.m., followed by the second round of play.

Players from Barton, Newberry and West Georgia remain on the course and will finish the final two holes and then will transition immediately into the final round. The teams will remain paired as they were on Monday instead of re-pairing the field by scores.

Individually for Clayton State, freshman Michael Lee continued his stellar play to start his collegiate career. He fired a 2-under 69 for the first round to stand tied for sixth overall. Lee is only two strokes behind first-round leader Bryan Newton from Lander. Lee recorded five birdies for the first round.

In addition to Lee, senior All-American Wade Binfield is tied for 10th with a 1-under 70. Binfield recorded three birdies and an eagle on the Par 4 No. 6 hole. He is three strokes off the overall lead.

Rounding out the Laker scoring included senior Neil Thomas tied for 62nd at 4-over 75, while junior Adam Novakowski and sophomore Andy Bate are both tied for 86th with a 6-over 77.