Ferris State Men's Golf Opens NCAA Regional Only Five Strokes Out Of First Place

Big Rapids, Mich. - The Ferris State University men's golf team began its 12th consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance only five strokes off the pace following first round action on Monday (May 5) in the NCAA-II Midwest/Central Super Regional in Eureka, Mo.

The Bulldogs posted a 296 score in Monday's first of three rounds in the regional event being held at the Fox Run Golf Club near St. Louis and are currently sixth overall. The Midwest/Central Super Regional is being hosted by the University of Missouri-St. Louis and action continues with round two on Tuesday (May 6) before the final round is played on Wednesday (May 7) in the 54-hole event. 

Malone University carded the top score on the opening day with a 291 figure followed by Grand Valley State in second place at 292 overall. Central Missouri is third overall at 293 with both Lindenwood (Mo.) and Henderson State (Ark.) tied for fourth at 295 overall in front of FSU.

Sophomore Ben Cook led the Bulldogs with a one-under par score of 71 and is currently tied for seventh overall in the highly-competitive field. 

Cook was followed by junior Sam Stark, who shot a one-over 73 in Monday's first 18 holes of action and is tied for 16th individually in the tournament.

Senior Trent Davison got off to a strong start and also had an impressive day with a two-over par 74 in the initial round, which is good for a tie for 24th place overall.

Bulldog junior Chris Eaton finished the round tied for tied for 65th overall after a six-over score of 78 in the first round of the regional event.

Finally, freshman Tyler Siech rounded out the Bulldog lineup and shot an 81 on the day to finish tied for 91st in the field.

The Midwest/Central Men's Golf Super Regional consists of 10 teams from the Midwest Region along with 10 from the Central Region.  Four individuals from each region are also competing in the event. The top four teams and the top two individuals not affiliated with a team from the regional (regardless of region) at the end of Wednesday's final round will advance to the 2014 NCAA-II Men's Golf Championships slated for May 19-23 at the Meadows Golf Course in Allendale, Mich.

Second round tee times are set for Tuesday starting at 9 a.m. (ET).