Oct. 6, 2008

EAST LANSING, Mich. - Senior Randy Hutchison carded a one-over par 141 (69-72) to help the Michigan State men's golf team to a first-day tie for third at the Fighting Irish Gridiron Golf Classic, held at the Warren Golf Course. Hutchison, who is in a three-way tie for first individually, paced the Spartans to a 36-hole team total of 23-over par 583 (287-296).

Hutchison had seven birdies on the day, tied for third among all golfers, and is currently tied with Arkansas' Andrew Landry (70-71) and Virginia's Kyle Stough (71-70). He was also one of four to post an under-par round in either round and is tied for second in par four scoring (+1).

Senior Jordan Ensrud and junior Jack Newman finished the first day tied for 18th at seven-over par 147. Ensrud was consistent, posting rounds of four-over 74 and three-over 73. Meanwhile, Newman ended the first round in a tie for first with Hutchison with a one-under 69, but faltered in the second round with an eight-over 78. Fot the day, Newman had the second most pars in the field with 24.

Sophomore Graham Baillargeon is tied for 28th at nine-over 149 (76-73). Baillargeon, who is tied for seventh in the tournament in par four scoring (+3), straightened his round out in the final seven holes, posting three birdies in that span. Classmate Payne Gniewek ended the day tied for 55th at 13-over 153 (75-78).

Making his collegiate debut as an individual, freshman Chris Mory opened with a four-over par 74, but posted a 12-over par 82 in the second round, to sit in a tie for 65th at 16-over 156.

Minnesota leads the way at 19-over par 579 (293-286), followed by Arkansas at 20-over par 580 (287-293). MSU is tied for third with Virginia (295-288).