The UNC men’s golf program was well-represented in the first round of the U.S. Open Thursday, as two Tar Heels teed off in each’s debut at the tournament: Ryan Gerard and Austin Greaser. Gerard, who just completed his final year with UNC, is competing by virtue of winning a qualifier tournament earlier this month. Greaser is competing because of his runner-up finish at the U.S. Amateur Championship last summer.

Gerard finished the first round at four strokes over par, tied for 102nd place. He is currently ahead of former major champions such as Louis Oostuizen (+7) and Phil Mickelson (+8). Gerard played even par on the front nine of the course, but struggled on the back nine, shooting four bogies.

Greaser shot two over par and is tied for 57th. The rising senior at UNC shot two birdies in his first three holes, but suffered a double bogey later in the round to drive him back over par. This is Greaser’s second major of the year, after he competed at The Masters in April. Greaser will tee off his second round of play Friday at 7:51 a.m., with Gerard scheduled to tee off at 8:57.

The U.S. Open continues through Sunday at The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts.

 

Featured image via USGA


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