Johnson, MSU Rally On Final Nine In Regional Round One

Monday, May 14

Bryan, Texas (Traditions Club)

All Day

Mississippi State

NCAA Regionals

Johnson, MSU Rally On Final Nine In Regional Round One

May 14, 2018 | Men's Golf

Golfstat

BRYAN, Texas – Mississippi State's Garrett Johnson celebrated his birthday with a strong round to open NCAA regional play on Monday.

The sophomore shot a 1-under 35 on the front nine to finish his day with a 1-over-73 through opening-round play at the par-72, 7,146-yard Traditions Club.

Johnson's front-side performance was part of a 1-over-par rally by the Bulldog men's golf team for its final nine holes after shooting 11-over on the back nine to start the opening round.

"I came out with a lot of swag and was ready to go for this round," Johnson said. "I got off to a scratchy start, but I knew that if I kept plugging along and giving myself opportunities that good things were going to happen."

"I can't say enough about the character of this team," MSU men's golf coach Dusty Smith said. "Garrett was huge for us today and played a solid round when the team needed it."

MSU improved from the bottom of the leaderboard to ninth through the day's competition, and will need to make up a seven-stroke gap between itself and fifth place -- the minimum needed to advance to the championship round -- within the next two days.

All five MSU players were better on the front nine. Senior Taylor Bibbs played even after the turn to finish with a 75 and a share of 43rd.

Sophomore Peng Pichaikool and senior Taylor Grant both contributed 1-over 37s on the front side for a round total of 4-over 76s, good for a tie for 49th.

Freshman Cameron Clarke finished at 6-over for a share of 62nd.

Host Texas A&M holds the top of the leaderboard after shooting 9-under on Monday. Baylor, Clemson, UCLA and South Carolina make up the rest of the Top 5. A&M's Chandler Phillips and Brandon Smith sit atop the player leaderboard.

State will start Tuesday's second round on the front nine, with tee time set for 8:25 a.m. CT. The first group will begin the round at 7:30 a.m. Live scoring will be available on Golfstat.

For more information on the Bulldogs, follow the program on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram by searching @HailStateMG.

MSU men's golf coach Dusty Smith

"I thought we came out a little bit tight this morning. We need to do a much better job with the simple things tomorrow. We had several mistakes early on -- short-sided shots and missed opportunities on simple up and downs. With that being said, this group showed a lot of resilience and toughness out there today. We made the turn at 11-over and were able to steady the ship on the backside. I can't say enough about the character of this team. Garrett was huge for us today and played a solid round when the team needed it. Nothing changes for us going forward. We need to make sure our focus and mindset is where it needs to be. We need to take care of ourselves tomorrow and not worry about anything else."

Sophomore Garrett Johnson

"I felt good today. I came out with a lot of swag and was ready to go for this round. I got off to a scratchy start, but I knew that if I kept plugging along and giving myself opportunities that good things were going to happen. On the front nine I stayed patient and placed the ball where you were supposed to on every shot. I was lucky enough to grab a birdie on six. I feel great about where my game is and I'm ready to get after it tomorrow! Hail state!"

Bryan Regional
1. Texas A&M (279, -9)
2. Baylor (282, -6)
3. Clemson (283, -5)
4. UCLA (288, E)
5. South Carolina (293, +5)
6. Ole Miss (294, +6)
7. Bradley (297, +9)
8. Kentucky (298, +10)
9. Mississippi State (300, +12)
10. Georgia (303, +15)
11. San Francisco (304, +16)
T12. UNCW (306, +18)
T12. Northern Colorado (306, +18)

MSU Players
T22. Garrett Johnson (73, +1)
T43. Taylor Bibbs (75, +3)
T49. Peng Pichaikool (76, +4)
T49. Taylor Grant (76, +4)
T62. Cameron Clarke (78, +6)

--HailState.com--