The Irish finished a sunny first day of the Fighting Irish Gridiron Classic in sixth place on their home course with a score of 585.
Houston University leads after day one with a score of 565, followed by Georgia Southern with a score of 575 and Michigan State with a score of 578. Other teams participating in the Fighting Irish Gridiron Classic include Yale, College of Charleston and Davidson College.
Freshman Matt Rushton leads the Irish with a total score of 144. On the par 71 Warren Course, Rushton shot a three-above par 74 in his first round, and a one-below par 70 in his second round. Rushton is currently tied for 15th place.
"Matthew continues to impress. He seems perfectly comfortable competing in a very competitive environment," Irish coach Jim Kubinski said.
Junior Patrick Grahek and Senior Niall Platt are currently tied for 19th. They both shot a total score of 146.
Grahek, who is golfing as an individual golfer, shot a one-below par 70 in his first round and a five-above par 76 in his second round. Because Grahek is golfing as an individual, his scores will not count towards the overall Irish team score.
Platt shot a three-above par 74 in his first round and a one-above par 72 in his second round.
Freshman Blake Barens lead the Irish going into the second round with a score of 72, yet fell behind substantially after scoring a 10-above par 81 in the second round. Barens had trouble on the 10th hole, shooting a double-bogey.
"Blake has great ability," Kubinski said. "He simply needs a little more experience, to improve his ability to stay confident and positive regardless of results."
Although the Irish are currently sitting in sixth place, Kubinski said the team is not far out of the running.
"We're only 10 [strokes] out of second [place], so a strong round tomorrow will make for a successful week," Kubinski said. "The Irish just need to come into the round feeling comfortable in the environment. The talent is on our roster."
The Irish will continue competing in the Fighting Irish Gridiron Classic Tuesday on Warren Golf Course, starting with a tee time of 9 a.m.
