SILVIS, ILL – The UBC Thunderbirds opened the first day of the NAIA Men's Golf Championship at TPC Deere Run Tuesday morning with an impressive round that has positioned them in fourth place and just three shots back of the lead after collectively shooting a one under par 283.
First place is currently being shared by Keiser University and Point University as two teams both began their championship aspirations with four under par (280) rounds.
Aidan Schumer tallied four birdies on the front nine and three on his back nine for a team best -4 (67) to open the tournament.
Mackenzie Bickell's round of -1 (70) kept the 'Birds in the hunt as his steady play scored 15 straight pars before adding a couple of birdies and just one bogey.
Russell Howlett began the day on fire with two consecutive birdies to open play but then struggled with four bogeys to close out his first nine holes. The first year locked in and recovered to finish the back nine with the type of consistency he has showcased all year for a round one score of +1 (72).
Ethan de Graaf and Dylan Macdonald both finished their opening rounds at +3 (74). The back nine challenged them as de Graaf's triple bogey on hole 15 was the sole blemish on a good overall round and Macdonald's five consecutive bogeys going into the turn slowed down his momentum.
Tomorrow's round will be critical in the T-Birds push for a championship as the tournament's field will be cut heading into the final two rounds of play.