ATLANTIC BEACH, Fla. - The Florida Gulf Coast University men's golf team opened play at the SeaBest Invitational on Monday at Atlantic Beach Country Club, sitting in third place after the first round at even-par. The Eagles are just one stroke behind No. 5 Florida and one shot ahead of No. 34 Texas A&M as the opening day wrapped up in Atlantic Beach, Florida.
TEAM LEADER -Â North Carolina-Wilmington (-4)
INDIVIDUAL LEADER - Parker Bell, Florida (-3)
LOCATION -Â Atlantic Beach Country Club | Par 71 | 6,887-yard
Sacha Ruiz led the way for FGCU with a 1-under 70 and is tied for ninth on the individual leaderboard. Ruiz recorded five birdies on the day, which is tied for the fifth-most in the field, and provided the Eagles with a steady round on both sides of the course.
Nolan Harper finished his opening round at even-par 71 and is tied for 18th overall. Harper was one of the most productive players in the field, tying for the tournament lead in birdies with six.
Christian Figueredo also posted an even-par 71 and is tied for 18th, giving FGCU three players inside the top 20 after the first round. Brett Moore followed closely behind with a 1-over-par 72, placing him in a tie for 27th.
Sebastian Gamboa rounded out the Eagles' team scoring with a 2-over-par 73 and is in a tie for 36th place after 18 holes. Competing as an individual, Sam Baker carded a 1-over-par 72 and is tied for 27th.
As a team, the Eagles were one of the most aggressive and efficient groups in the field. FGCU leads the tournament with 19 total birdies through the opening round, while also sitting tied for the third-fewest bogeys and tied for the fewest double bogeys among all teams. The strong opening-round showing keeps the Eagles firmly in the hunt heading into the final round at Atlantic Beach Country Club.
Head Coach Andrew Danna - "I felt like our team did a great job being consistent today. We'll look to continue that tomorrow and finish strong."
The Eagles wrap up competition at the SeaBest Invitational on Tuesday, with play expected to tee off at noon.
Following the SeaBest Invitational, FGCU will continue its spring schedule at the Gators Invitational on Feb. 14-15 in Gainesville, Fla., at the Mark Bostick Golf Club, hosted by the University of Florida.
To stay up-to-date on the Eagles, be sure to follow on Instagram and X at FGCU_MGolf.
