The University of Florida Men’s Golf team continued to climb up the leader board at the 2006 NCAA Championship on Thursday with a three-under, second round score of 285. The Gators moved into fourth place with a two-round total of 569 (-7) at the Crosswater Golf Club.

Senior Brett Stegmaier (Madison, Conn.) made his presence felt during the second round when he jumped from 68th-place into a three way tie for 10th. Starting his round on the back nine, Stegmaier collected a team-high six birdies to card a five-under 67.

“He (Stegmaier) held us together out there today,” Florida head coach Buddy Alexander said. “He seems to be coming around at the right time, which is huge for us.”

In 13 career rounds at the NCAA Championship, Stegmaier had broken 70 on one previous occasion during his four-year collegiate career. He recorded a score of 69 during the 2004 championship in Hot Springs, Va. and finished in a tie for 20th.    

Freshman Toby Ragland (Jacksonville, Fla.) proved to be a factor during the second round when he carded a one-under 71. Ragland played bogey-free through the final 10 holes and collected three birdies to earn his sixth round under-par in post-season play. Fellow freshman Billy Horschel (Grant, Fla.) followed up a stellar first round by carding a two-over 74.

With rain looming on the horizon, senior Matt Every (Daytona Beach, Fla.) kept the Gators in contention for a position in the top five with a one-over-par 73. Senior James Vargas (Miami, Fla.) overcame a slow start by sinking a birdie on the second hole to card a two-over 74.    

“We had another solid day,” Alexander said. “It started raining in the afternoon, so that made it more difficult on the afternoon group, which helped us a little. Things have played out the way we thought they would so far. I would really like to see Every play better than he has. Matt has a nice stroke and big players step up in crucial situations, so that will be key for us.”

Florida was not the only team to make a big move on the second day of competition. The Gators playing partners, Texas A&M and Arizona State both propelled into the top-10 with strong performances. Arizona State carded a nine-under 279 to land in a tie for second, while Texas A&M recorded a five-under score of 283to move into a tie for ninth. Washington took the overall lead with a 13-under 563.

“A four round tournament is a long race,” Alexander said. “I hope we’re not paying too much attention to what other teams are doing around us.  We just have to pay attention to our own game right now.”

Florida will resume play during the third round on Friday. Tee times for the third round have been rescheduled to start 30 minutes earlier at 7 a.m. (PT). The 30-team field will be cut to 15 teams following the third round. Saturday’s final round will only include the top-15 teams. Live scoring updates can be found at www.golfstat.com

Team Results

Top 10 Individuals

Florida Results

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