With 2010 Freshman of the Year Bryden Macpherson leading the way, the Georgia men's golf team opened the Southeastern Conference Championship in fifth place on Friday on Sea Island Golf Club's Seaside Course.
Macpherson, the sophomore from Australia, fired a 1-under-par 69 to land second in the individual standings. He is one shot behind LSU's John Peterson.
The Bulldogs carded a 12-over 292 and trail Florida by seven shots. A year ago, Macpherson was the leader and the Bulldogs were in sixth place after one round. Georgia ultimately claimed the team title and Macpherson earned Freshman of the Year honors following an eighth-place finish.
"We're positioned where we last year, so it's really not an issue for us," Macpherson said. "We'll stay positive and think about the good things. The key to golf is to think about the good things and don't let the bad things get ahold of you. ... The other guys didn't play as well as they would have liked, but they're such good players. A little more here and there, and we'll have the week we're looking for."
Russell Henley, who earned SEC Player of Year and tournament medalist honors in 2010, followed Macpherson with a 1-over 71 and is in eighth place. Senior Harris English signed for a 5-over 75, while freshman Michael Cromie notched a 7-over 77 and senior Hudson Swafford added an 8-over 78.
"Bryden played really well and Russell got it going, but we gave a few away carelessly during the course of the round," Georgia coach Chris Haack said. "(The message to the team is) don't be afraid, just go play, go attack this golf course. We've been here before, so we know it. We need to attack it and see what happens."
The Bulldogs will tee off Saturday in the second round in 10-minute increments from 8 to 8:40 a.m. with their counterparts from Alabama and Auburn. Live scoring can be found at golfstat.com.
