March 14, 2000

NORMAN, Okla. - No one likes to give their opponent a head start, but that's what the University of Oklahoma men's golf team did during the first two rounds of the Louisiana Classic Intercollegiate in Lafayette, Louisiana on Monday afternoon.

The Sooners, who stand sixth overall with a team score of 590 (+14), gave a huge head start to fellow Big 12 Conference squads Texas A&M, Kansas, Colorado and tournament-leader Baylor (579, +3) with just 18 holes to play. Basically the difference in score between OU and the lead is an opening-round score of 299 (+11).

"We just can't keep giving our opponents big leads and expect that we can come from behind," said OU head coach Gregg Grost. "I thought our guys did a great job fighting back this afternoon. Our score this afternoon (+3, 291) was one of the best in the field and should give just a spark for tomorrow."

The Sooners were paced by junior Kelsey Cline, who stands tied for sixth after shooting an even par 144 for the first two rounds. This is the first action for Cline this spring after battling back from a lower back injury last year.

"Kelsey had a solid day," added Grost. "He was close to having a great day, but just couldn't get a few shots to fall. I think it's a credit to Kelsey to be just seven strokes from the lead considering he's still putting his game together. I hope he comes out tomorrow and plays as well as I think he can."

Team Scores

Individual Leaders

OU Scores