PAWLEYS ISLAND -- USCB men's golf team got off to a solid start at the Pawley's Island Beach Bash, hosted by Ohio Dominican, finishing the first round in second place after shooting a collective 1-over 291.
Sophomore Ellis Bright led the way for the Sand Sharks with a stellar 1-under 71. The Trowbridge, England native started his round on hole 9 and maintained an even-par score through his first nine holes, recording two birdies and two bogeys. He caught fire on his second nine, sinking three consecutive birdies on holes 1-3. Despite two bogeys down the stretch, Bright's strong play secured him a red number on the leaderboard.
Erik Rengardt turned in a 1-over 73, improving on his second nine after a steady front nine. He picked up three birdies to stay in the mix for a strong finish in the final round.
Nikolai Holme had an eventful round, surging to 5-under through 12 holes after opening with three straight birdies on holes 9-11 and adding another on 15. However, the back stretch proved challenging, as he carded two bogeys and a pair of double bogeys, ultimately finishing at 1-over 73.
Aaron Williams and Nicolas Normand contributed solid scores of 74 and 75, respectively, keeping USCB in contention heading into the final day.
The Sand Sharks look to build on their momentum when the 36-hole event concludes tomorrow. Rengardt and Williams tee off at 9:22 a.m. while Bright and Holme follow at 9:31 a.m. Normand rounds out Beaufort's quintet beginning at 9:40 a.m.
