Darkness Suspends Play at Rollins Invitational; Cougars Tied for Sixth After Opening Round

Ocoee, FL -  Columbus State got sub-par rounds from Stephen Swanepoel (69) and Jeremy Britt (71) en route to a 1-over 289 in the first round of the Rollins College Invitational at Forest Lake Golf Club (Par 72, 7095 yds).  A heavy layer of morning fog delayed the 36-hole shotgun start by nearly three hours and led to a suspension of the second round due to darkness with three holes to play for most players.  First Round Results

CSU won the event last season with rounds of 283-284-295 to win by nine shots over Lynn University and former Cougar JP van der Walt won the individual title with rounds of 69-68-67 (-12). 

Nova Southeastern had four players break par, including Ben Vertz's 7-under 65, who trails St. Edward's Collin Mayer (64) by one shot for the individual lead.  The Sharks posted an unbelievable 17-under par 271 to lead by 11 shots over Barry and St. Edward's, who shot 282.  Host Rollins (283) is fourth and Florida Southern is fifth at 286.  CSU and Valdosta State are tied for sixth at 289.

Swanepoel is tied for sixth with his 69 and Britt is tied for 15th with his 71.  Sophomore Steven Paine rebounded from last week's frustration in Destin and posted a 1-over 73 and is tied for 27th.  Michael Hicks fired a 76 (T 55) and Justin Grice, making his CSU debut, struggled on the greens and posted a 6-over 78 (T 65).

The 15-team field will resume play at 8:15 AM Tuesday with the completion of round two and will roll right into final round play.