Clayton State finishes impressive tied for fifth at Armstrong Pirate Invitational

POOLER, Ga. – February 28, 2012 – Playing its first tournament of the 2012 spring season, the Clayton State Laker men's golf team finished an impressive tied for fifth overall in the 13-field team of the Armstrong Pirate Invitational on Tuesday.

The Lakers struggled to a 309 in the first round on the 6,897-yard Greg Norman-designed Savannah Quarters Country Club course. However, Clayton State rebounded for a 295 in the second round to finish tied for fifth with Belmont Abbey with a 604. The Lakers finished two strokes ahead of Flagler, nine strokes ahead of Eckerd and 10 strokes in front of Coker.

Clayton State was only three strokes off the pace of fourth-place Wingate. Georgia College won the event, which was shortened to 36 holes due to inclement weather, with a 574.

Individually for Clayton State, freshman Will Shenstone finished tied for 10^th overall with a 6-over par 148 (74-74). He was 11 strokes off the pace of individual medalist Patrick Garrett from Georgia College. Also, junior Chris McManus finished tied for 24^th with a 9-over 151 (77-74), while sophomore Tyson Beaupre finished tied for 30^th with a 10-over 152 (79-73).

Rounding out the Laker scoring was senior Clark Nelson finishing tied for 35^th with a 153 (79-74), and freshman Ryan Lort finished tied for 48^th with 156 (82-84). Freshman Josh Stanley played as an individual and finished 75^th with a 173 (94-79).

Clayton State plays next on March 12-13 at the Magnolia Invitational in Orangeburg, S.C.