Washington State University Athletics
Cougars Lead Entering Final Round at Palouse Ridge
September 29, 2015 | Men's Golf
PULLMAN, Wash. – The Washington State University men's golf team is in first place after shooting 29-under par (539), 20 strokes ahead of second-place Seattle, through two rounds at the Itani Quality Homes Collegiate at Palouse Ridge Golf Club, Monday.
“This was our best performance of the season by far,” WSU Head Coach Garrett Clegg said. “I'm looking forward to seeing how we compete tomorrow after such a great performance from top to bottom today.”
Nine members of the team sit in the top-25 after two rounds of play, led by Derek Bayley in first place at 11-under (131). After carding nine birdies and one eagle on the day, Bayley leads Oregon State's Taylor Carlson (-6, 136) by five strokes. Bayley did not make a bogey through two rounds.
“To not make any bogeys through 36 holes is incredible. I'm thrilled for Derek,” Clegg said.
Freshman Aaron Whalen and junior Nick Mandell each have a two-round score of 137 (-5) and are in a five-way tie for third place. Combined, the duo carded 19 birdies. Whalen made an eagle on his final hole of the day.
Highlighted by his eagle on the 15th hole, sophomore Zach Anderson shot a 4-under, 138 and is tied for eighth with three other golfers.
Junior transfer Ryan Baumgart and freshman AJ Armstrong are tied for 12th (-3, 139). This is Baumgart's first tournament appearance of the season and he is competing as an individual. Freshman Grant Cole, also competing as an individual, is tied for 17th (-2, 140).
Seniors Evan Omelia and Bhurinat Songpaiboon shot even par through two rounds (142) and are tied for 24th. Fellow senior Seth Nickerson is tied for 38th (+3, 145). Freshman walk-on Austin Brown is tied for 56th (+8, 150). All four are competing as individuals.
The tournament concludes Tuesday with a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m. Visit birdiefire.com for live results throughout the round. A full recap from the day will be posted at wsucougars.com following the end of the round.
Players Mentioned
