The No. 2 LSU Men's Golf team finished the first round of the Puerto Rico Classic in third place, scoring 14 under par (274). The competition is held at the Grand Reserve Golf Course, where the team adjusted to the absence of star player Árni Sveinsson, replaced by freshman Hudson Lawson. Junior Noah McWilliams led the way with a stellar six-under (66) to tie for second place individually, while both senior Jay Mendell and freshman Dan Hayes posted strong performances at three under (69). Lawson, on his debut, contributed a solid two under (70), while Matty Dodd-Berry finished the round at one over (73). The tournament saw fierce competition, with the top team leading by significantly lower scores.

By the Numbers
  • LSU scored 14 under (274) after Round 1.
  • Noah McWilliams achieved six under (66), tying for second place individually.
  • Four LSU players recorded scores under par, with Dan Hayes and Jay Mendell both at three under (69).
State of Play
  • LSU is in third place, trailing the leading team Virginia by six strokes.
  • The Tigers are competing closely with several other teams, including Ohio State and Iowa.
  • Freshman Hudson Lawson filled in well for the absent Sveinsson, making an impressive debut.
What's Next

As the tournament progresses, LSU will aim to capitalize on its early performances to climb the leaderboard. Key players like McWilliams and Lawson will need to maintain their form while the team strategizes adjustments in response to course conditions and opposition. With crucial rounds ahead, every stroke will significantly impact their standings.

Bottom Line

LSU's strong start places them in a competitive position in the Puerto Rico Classic, yet they must continue their momentum and manage challenges from both their performance and other strong teams. Staying focused and capitalizing on birdie opportunities will be essential to improve their ranking further.