Jackets’ Schniederjans had potential to match 61

Neither Georgia Tech golfer Ollie Schniederjans nor coach Bruce Heppler were too surprised that someone posted a 9-under 61 during the first round of the NCAA men’s golf championships at the Capital City Club’s Crabapple Course.

They Yellow Jackets have played the course five times in the past two weeks, so they know what can be done. They even watched Bo Andrews shoot a 61 during one of the practice rounds.

But they were surprised that Schniederjans didn’t match the feat Monday.

After Arizona State’s Jon Rahm posted a 9 under in the morning, Schniederjans, starting on the back nine, ran out with four consecutive birdies and missed another birdie putt on No. 5. He failed to get anything going after that, finishing at 3 under.

Schniederjans said if he had putted better, he could have shot a 61.

“Still, that’s ridiculous,” he said.

Remembering the tragedy: Members of Oklahoma State's golf team are wearing blue ribbons on their hats as a way to remember the victims and others who suffered because of the tornado that tore apart Moore, Okla., last week.

“It’s so devastating and so sad,” junior Talor Gooch said. “I can’t necessarily donate a lot of money, but maybe helping out by bringing spirits up with some good golf and showing some people some good in life right now. It’s awesome that we are able to play for them.”

Led by Gooch’s and Ian Davis’ matching 3-under 67s, the Cowboys are 1 under (279), nine shots behind Arizona State.

Gooch said teammate Kevin Dougherty came up with the idea of the blue ribbons.

Gooch grew up in Midwest City, a drive of only a few minutes. He said his family made it to a shelter before the tornado reached the city. He said their home suffered no damage.

Gooch and his team were practicing at their home course, Karsteen Creek in Stillwater, when they were alerted to the possibility of dangerous weather coming to the area. They finished practice and retreated to the clubhouse, where they watched the storm on TV.

Gooch said two of his friends lost their homes because of the tornado.

“It’s a sad, sad deal,” he said.

Good starts: California, the tournament favorite, and Alabama, which finished second to Texas in last year's national championship, said they are both in good spots after the first round.

The Bears, winners of 11 of 13 tournaments this year, are in fifth at 3 under, seven shots behind Arizona State. The Tide, the SEC champs, are in third at 5 under, five shots back. The top eight teams after three rounds of stroke play will advance to match play.

Alabama, which started on the back nine in afternoon, briefly took a one-shot lead at 11 under.