Wilmington, N.C. ? Zach Pederson shot a first-round 75 to finish Friday tied for 18th place at the Landfall Tradition, the top placing by a Kansas University team that finished the day in eighth place.
KU had 308 strokes at the par-72, 7,084-yard Jack Nicklaus Course at the Country Club at Landfall.
“It pretty much rained all day, and when you are playing on a tough course, the scores are going to be a little high,” KU coach Kit Grove said. “We really came on strong during the back nine today, so hopefully we can carry that into tomorrow.”
Junior Walt Koelbel finished the strongest of all the Jayhawks, as he birdied his final three holes to card a 77 and finish the day tied for 33rd place.
Other KU results: Brad Hopfinger and Nate Barbee, tied for 38th, 78; and Bobby Knowles, tied for 47th, 80.
Tulsa leads the team title with 286 strokes. Tulsa is followed by Georgia Southern (292), Purdue (293), Ohio State (295), Iowa (298) and Kansas.
Individual leader Nichola Geyger of Tulsa shot a 67 for a four-stroke lead over six players tied at 71.
The tournament will conclude with single rounds today and Sunday.
