The University of Florida men’s golf team shot a 305 (+21) in the first round of the Columbia Invitational on Friday and sit in a tie for fifth place. Freshman Mu Hu (Shen Zhen, China) shot a one-over par 72 and is tied for second place, one shot behind the leader.

A frost delay pushed today’s start back an hour, and the tough conditions prevented anyone from shooting under par. Only four strokes separate the top five teams after the first day. Three teams are tied at 17-over par 301.

“We did not play well today,” said head coach Buddy Alexander. “It was a little discouraging.”

Hu’s 72 led the way for the Gators on day one. Junior Tim McKenney (Scottsdale, Ariz.) is tied for 10th at four-over par 75. Senior Will Strickler (Charlottesville, Va.) and junior Tyson Alexander (Gainesville, Fla.) each shot eight-over par 79 and sit in a eight-way tie for 38th place. Senior Toby Ragland (Jacksonville, Fla.) shot an 82 (+11) and is tied for 61st.

“It was a disappointing day,” said Coach Alexander. “The positives are that we are still in the tournament and Mu played very well for a freshman.”

Individually, Penn’s Michael Blodgett shot even-par 71 and leads by one stroke. There are 25 golfers within five strokes of the lead.

Round two action is scheduled to begin with a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m. Saturday morning.

Florida Results

T2. Mu Hu, 72 (+1)

T10. Tim McKenney, 75 (+4)

T38. Tyson Alexander, 79 (+8)

T38. Will Strickler, 79 (+8)

T61. Toby Ragland, 82 (+11)

Columbia Invitational Team Results

1   Georgetown          301 +17

     Eastern Kentucky   301 +17

     St. John's            301 +17

4   Penn                   303 +19

5   Connecticut          305 +21

      Florida                    305 +21

7   TCU                    307 +23

8   Columbia             308 +24

9   Hartford              309 +25

10  ULM                    312 +28

     Kennesaw St.        312 +28

12  Western Illinois     315 +31

13  Navy                   317 +33

14  Villanova             326 +42

15  Princeton             329 +45