May 20, 2010

COLLEGE STATION, Texas - The Pepperdine men's golf team opened the NCAA South Central Regional on Thursday in sixth place and was led by 1-under 71s by junior Andrew Widmar and sophomore Josh Anderson.

The Waves, who shot a 2-under 286, need to get into the top five to advance to the NCAA Championships. They are currently three strokes out of fifth place with the second and third rounds yet to come at the par-72 Traditions Golf Club. Host Texas A&M and TCU lead the tournament after 11-under 277s.

Widmar (El Paso, Calif./Cathedral HS) and Anderson (Temecula, Calif./Murrieta Valley HS) are tied for 12th place after their first-round performances.

Senior Shane Mason (San Diego, Calif./St. Augustine HS) and junior Andrew Putnam (University Place, Wash./Life Christian Academy) also had solid outings with even-par 72s that have them tied for 23rd place. Senior Carl Smith (Laguna Beach, Calif./Santa Margarita HS) is tied for 53rd place after a 76.

Pepperdine is looking for its eighth NCAA Championships appearance and first since 2006.

Team Results: T1. Texas A&M 277; T1. TCU 277; 3. North Florida 280; 4. Texas Tech 282; 5. Wichita State 283; 6. Pepperdine 286; 7. Auburn 288; 8. Baylor 291; 9. Tulsa 292; 10. Georgia 294; 11. Rice 299; 12. North Carolina 301; 13. Georgetown 303; 14. Jackson State 325.

Top Individuals: T1. Ignacio Elvira (Texas A&M) 66; T1. Daniel Jennevret (TCU) 66; T1. Kevin Phelan (North Florida) 66; T1. Dustin Garza (Wichita State) 66; 5. Nils Floren (Texas Tech) 68.

Pepperdine Scores: T12. Andrew Widmar 71; T12. Josh Anderson 71; T23. Shane Mason 72; T23. Andrew Putnam 72; T53. Carl Smith 76.