May 31, 2000

OPELIKA, Ala. -- The Wake Forest men's golf team stands tied for 18th place out of 30 teams after the first round of competition at the 2000 NCAA Championships, held at the Grand National Golf Club in Opelika, Alabama. The Deacs recorded a team score of 292, or 4-over par, in their first day of play on the 7,003-yard, par-72 course.

Wake Forest and Georgia, who also tallied a 292 today, are 20 strokes behind team leader Texas, who shot a 16-under 272 on the first 18 holes. Georgia Tech stands in second place at 8-under par, followed by Oklahoma State (-7) and Houston (-4).

At 4-over par, the Deacs are just two strokes out of 15th place, which is where the 36-hole cut will be made after tomorrow's second round. The top 15 teams (with no ties) and the top nine individuals not on those teams will survive the cut and continue playing through Saturday.

Freshman CHAD WILFONG led the Deacs in the first round with an even-par 72. Wilfong is nine strokes behind the tournament's individual leader, Texas' David Gossett, who fired a 9-under 63 in the first round.

Sophomore JAY MORGAN and freshman BRENT WANNER both shot 73's today to stand 1-over par, while freshman BUCK WILLIAMS tallied a 2-over 74 and rookie CHRIS YODER recorded a 6-over 78.

Live scoring is available throughout each day of play on the internet at Auburn University's website at www.auburn.edu/athletics/ncaagolf. Daily results are also available at www.ncaachampionships.com at the end of each round.