Oilers Lead West Liberty Invitational | Atkinson Records 63
Wheeling, W.Va.- The University of Findlay men's golf team traveled south this week for the West Liberty Invitational. The event is being held at the 6,525 yard, par 71, Palmer Course at Oglebay. The Oilers grabbed a commanding lead through 36-holes as they recorded rounds of 283 (-1) and 271 (-13). They lead the tournament by fifteen strokes.
Findlay was led by junior Justin Atkinson who is in a tie for second. Atkinson recorded a 73 (+1) before making history for the Orange and Black. He recorded a 63 (-8) in the second round, breaking the 18-hole program record which was set this past fall. His round today is the best 18-hole score in Division II this season and ties for lowest score in all NCAA Divisions.
Atkinson began his second round with a birdie, setting the tone for the rest of his round. He recorded two more birdies on the fourth and sixth to make the turn at three-under par. He then birdied four of the first five holes on the back nine to find himself at seven-under par. A bogey on 15th set him back but an eagle on the 18th put him at 8-under par, breaking the school record which was previously set this fall by Tanner Gzegorczyk. Atkinson's 36-hole score of 135 (-7) is the second best in program history.
Senior Hunter Foltz is in a tie for sixth at four-under par after firing rounds of 68 (-3) and 70 (-1). Junior Donnie Professori recorded a 76 (+5) before going low in round two with a 65 (-6). He is in a tie for 11th at one-under par. Senior Caleb Westfall finds himself tied for 28th at five-over par after rounds of 74 (+3) and 73 (+2). Tanner Grzegorcyk battled injury today, recording an opening round of 69 (-2) before withdrawing in the second round.
Competing as individuals in the event are freshman Luke Metzger and sophomore Tyler Vallee. Metzgar is currently tied for second after carding rounds of 67 (-4) and 68 (-3). His 36-hole total of 135 (-7) is also the second best in program history. Vallee meanwhile recorded rounds of 69 (-2) and 68 (-3) to finish the day at five-under and in a tie for fourth.
The Oilers will be back tomorrow for the final round as they look to record their first tournament win since Sept. 12, 2021 when they won the Al Watrous Invitational.