The Emory University men's golf team had one of its best rounds in program history on Tuesday as the 2024 NCAA Division III Championships got underway at the Boulder Creek Golf Club in Boulder City, Nevada.
The Eagles shot 272 as a team in the opening round, tied for the second-best single-round score in team history and the best one-day total by an Emory squad in NCAA tournament history. The previous best single-round scorecard in the NCAA Championships for the Eagles was 283 at the 2018 tournament. The Eagles finished the day at -16 and will enter Wednesday one stroke behind day one leader Methodist University.
Senior Jackson Klutznick was a key piece to the Eagles' success on Tuesday as the senior, who was named the UAA Player of the Year as well as a finalist for the Jack Nicklaus National Player of the Year award on Tuesday, broke the NCAA DIII Championships record for a single-round score with his eight-under 64, eclipsing the previous record of seven-under 65 set twice in 2004 and 2011. Klutznick was in complete control during the morning, posting one eagle, six birdies and 11 pars. He'll enter day two as the individual leader with a one shot lead.
Junior Tony Li was impressive in his own right in the first round, cracking 70 as he finished the day with a personal-low of 67 to end in tie for sixth place on the individual leaderboard. Li had six birdies and 11 pars in the round.
Classmate Michael Burry came through with a first round total of 70 on Tuesday thanks to five birdies and 11 pars. He looks to improve on his tied for 21st standing on Wednesday.
Rounding out the Emory scorers on Tuesday were sophomore Brian Hanson carded a one-under 71 and freshman, and UAA Rookie of the Year, Kevin Mu recorded a two-over 74 to finished tied for 33rd and 80th, respectively.
The NCAA Championships continue Wednesday with the Eagles shifting to The Legacy Golf Club for the second round with afternoon tee times.