May 22, 2007

PLYMOUTH, Ind. - Top-ranked Oklahoma City University shot a seven-under-par 281 in the opening round of the 2007 NAIA Men's Golf National Championship being held at Indiana National Golf Club. The Stars were led by individual co-leader Daniel Mitchell who fired a four-under 68.

The Sooner State dominates the leader board with the top five individuals and top two teams. Oklahoma Christian University (287) trails by six strokes as the Eagles' Bruno Buccolo fired a 68 to share the lead with Mitchell. Close behind the individual leaders are Oklahoma City's Ryan Clatworthy (69) and Jacques Blaauw (70) followed by Fernando Gonzales (70) from Oklahoma Christian. Nathan Leonhardt of Northwood University (Texas) and Mikel Martinson of Wayland Baptist University (Texas) both shot two-under scores late in the day to join the group at 70.

The Oklahoma teams were the only ones to break par on the day with Northwood in third place at even-par 288 followed by Wayland Baptist at 292 (+4). Berry College (Ga.) and Johnson & Wales University (Fla.) round out the top five tied at 294 (+6).

Second round tee times begin at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday as the teams once again tackle the 6,950 yard, par 72 layout at Indiana National with the 72-hole event continuing through Friday, May 25. The field of 144 golfers will be cut to the top 17 teams and 40 individuals after the completion of 54 holes on Thursday.