Clayton State ninth after first day of the Magnolia Collegiate Invitational

ORANGEBURG, S.C. – March 12, 2012 – The Clayton State Laker men's golf team got off to a rough start on Tuesday at the Magnolia Collegiate Invitational, currently sitting ninth overall in the nine-team field at the Orangeburg Country Club.

The Lakers had rounds of 307 and 303 for a two-round score of 610. Clayton State trails Lander by three strokes and St. Andrews by six strokes. UNC Pembroke leads the tournament with a 574 (292-282), holding a nine-stroke lead over Barton.

Despite the tough team score, Clayton State had a bright spot in freshman newcomer Ryan Haskell. A member of the Welsh Junior National Team who joined the Laker program at the semester break, Haskell had a solid Clayton State debut with a 5-over par 146 to stand 15^th overall, 10 strokes off the lead.

Haskell was even-par after the opening round and fourth overall with a 71 after recording three birdies. However, he slipped to a 76 in round two with just one birdie.

In addition to Haskell, fellow freshman Will Shenstone is tied for 26^th at 9-over 151 (80-71), while senior Chris McManus (80-76) and sophomore Tyson Beaupre (76-80) are both tied for 40^th with a 156. Rounding out the Clayton State scoring is senior Clark Nelson tied for 48^th with a 160 (80-80).

The third and final round of the Magnolia Collegiate Invitational is set for Wednesday at Orangeburg Country Club.