Michael Stewart finishes joint

third after best yet in USA

Troon's Michael Stewart, winner of the Scottish boys' championship 12 months ago this week, produced his best score yet in his freshman year at East Tennessee State University, to finish joint third in the Larry Nelson Collegiate Invitational over the Chateau Elan Resort's Woodland course at Braselton, Georgia.
Stewart, pictured right, had a great opening round of four-under-par 67 over the 6735yd course - his lowest since he went to Johnson City on a four-year golf scholarship last autumn. That score put him in the pole position in a field of 73 players but later scores of 72 and 76 for a total of 215 relegated him to a creditable joint third finish.
One of Stewart's team-mates, Seamus Power, a second-year student from Waterford, Ireland, scored 70, 69 and 74 for level par 213, to tie with Thomas Parker (Stetson) (73-67-73). There was no play-off because of lack of time and bad weather coming in to the venue.
Former British boys champion Jordan Findlay, in his final year at East Tennessee State University, finished joint 41st on 228 with rounds of 76, 74 and 78.
Stephen Keane from Glasgow, a student at Belmont Abbey College, North Carolina, finished joint 54th with scores of 78, 77 and 75 for 230.

LEADING INDIVIDUAL TOTALS
Par 213 (3 x 71) 6735y

213 Seamus Power (East Tennessee State) 70 69 74, Thomas Parker (Stetson) 73 67 73.

215 Michael Stewart (East Tennessee State) 67 72 76, Sam Ryder (Stetson) 71 69 75.

Selected totals:

222 Rhys Enoch (East Tennessee State) 76 68 77 (jt 12th).

226 Paul O'Kane (East Tennessee State) 75 75 76 (jt 34th).

228 Jordan Findlay (East Tennessee State) 76 74 78 (jt 41st).

230 Stephen Keane (Belmont Abbey) 78 77 75 (jt 54th).

237 Chris Carvill (Belmont Abbey) 84 75 78 (jt 65th).

Field of 73 players.

LEADING TEAM TOTALS

870 Stetson University.

874 East Tennessee State, Murray State.

Field of 14 teams.