Heading into the second round of the Palm Harbor, Fla. Big East championship game Monday, the Irish were tied with Louisville. Notre Dame seized control of the tournament, though, and finished the day on top posting a six over par 290.
Notre Dame shot the lowest round of the tournament for any team thus far and now sits seven shots ahead of Louisville going into the final round today. Hampered by swirling winds, injury and a tough course, the Irish had to battle through all 18 holes.
"I'm really proud of how the guys performed," Irish coach James Kubinksi said. "They posted some really good scores."
The Irish were led by freshman Niall Platt, who carded an even par 71. Platt recorded a pair of birdies to go along with two bogies, and was tied for the best individual score of the day.
"I've just been so impressed with Platt this tournament. This kid has no nerves," Kubinski said. "He's playing fantastic, and not just for a freshman."
Platt's round left him tied with Irish junior Max Scodro and Louisville's Karsten Clements for the overall individual lead through two rounds.
Scodro was one of three Notre Dame golfers who posted a +2 score yesterday along with sophomore Paul McNamara and senior Connor-Alan Lee. McNamara's performance was particularly impressive, given that he injured his back the day before and almost didn't play the round.
"The injury was just to the muscle, so we knew he couldn't hurt it worse," Kubinski said. "But he was still playing with a lot of pain."
McNamara recorded two bogies through his first four holes, but then followed with 14 straight pars in a gritty performance.
Alan-Lee proved remarkably accurate from the fairway, hitting 15 of 18 greens en route to a +2 score.
"Alan-Lee just didn't make a couple putts today," Kubionski said. "But when you're as accurate as he was with your irons, you can afford to make a mistake or two with your short game."
Junior Chris Walker recorded a +4 75 in the Notre Dame effort.
The Irish return to Innisbrook Resorts's Copperhead course today for the third and final round of the Big East championship.
