Furman 14th at Golfweek Conference Challenge

BURLINGTON, Iowa – Senior Wehman Hopke (+4) tied for 48th to lead the Furman men’s golf team in the opening round of the Golfweek Conference Challenge at the par-72, 7,223-yard Spirit Hollow Golf Course. Furman (+21) is in 14th place following the first round.

Hopke birdied No. 7 and was even at the turn then carded an additional birdie on No. 14 to finish the day with a 76. Freshman Connor Bruns is tied for 55th after posting an opening-round 77, while seniors Preston Cole and Preston Heyward and junior Bryce Howell all enter Saturday’s second round tied for 60th. Heyward posted a team-high three birdies on the day, as the Paladin duo each registered a 78.

Four players are tied for the lead after firing an opening-round 66. David Cooke (-6) and Nolan Mills (-6) powered NC State (-19) to an opening-day 269, as the Wolfpack took a 12-stroke lead over Charleston Southern (-7). Iowa (-4) rounds out the top three.

Second=round play of the 54-hole tournament begins Saturday at 9 a.m. The Paladins will tee off of No. 10 on 10 a.m.