The ETSU men’s golf team headed to the Franklin Street Invitational over this past weekend. Hosted by the University of North Carolina, the tournament takes place at the par 72 Finley Golf Course.
This year’s tournament included a field of nine teams, including defending champions North Carolina, Southern conference members, No. 17, Georgia Southern, UNC-Willington and Virginia Tech.
After two rounds of play the University of North Carolina shot a 275 to lead.
Georgia Southern was in second, 4 strokes back after shooting a 279.
ETSU finished with a 295, 20 shots back of the lead in sixth.
With the tournament’s unique format of hosting both men’s and women’s teams over three days, the tournament can be considered one of the most premier tournaments of the season.
This will be only the second year in this format. In the years before, it had always been a women’s golf tournament since 2000.
After Friday’s first round ETSU was led by freshman standout Rhys Davies. Davies was just one-stroke off the lead after shooting a career best 67. Sophomore Stephen Arnold finished Friday’s first round with a career best, shooting an even par to head to the clubhouse in 13th.
After Saturday’s second round ETSU was again led by Davies.
Davies was leading the individual category one-stroke ahead of Charlotte’s Ray Sheedy.
North Carolina’s Jonathan Jackson and Georgia Southern’s David Palm are tied for third at 5-under.
Davies was able to capture the lead after two straight days of shooting sub 70’s rounds. To get the lead, Davies had 2 eagles and 4 birdies in Friday’s round one.
In round two on Saturday, Davies had five birdies for another great round.
If Davies is able to finish the tournament and capture the individual crown he will be the first player from ETSU to win in the individual category since Chris Wisler won the Bellsouth Intercollegiate in 2000.
Arnold also led ETSU in the second round finishing 2 over par for Saturday’s round in a tie for 22nd.
ETSU continued the tournament in the final round on Sunday.

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