Boulder City, Nev. – The University of Central Missouri Mules golf team sits in eighth place after the opening round of stroke play Monday, May 18, at Boulder Creek Golf Club. The Mules shot a 1-under-par 287 in the first round of the NCAA Championships, highlighted by a strong 5-under performance on the back nine.

University of Central Missouri trails co-leaders West Texas A&M University and University of Missouri–St. Louis after day one. The top eight teams will advance to match play beginning Thursday.

CJ Phillips and Kale Flinton lead the way for the Mules, as both are tied for 26th after carding a 1-under 71 in the opening round. Phillips opened strong with an eagle on hole No. 2 and added two birdies on the day. Flinton totaled five birdies during his round.

Sophomore Lawson Barks sits tied for 35th at even-par 72 after recording four birdies. Brooks Baldwin is tied for 48th after shooting a 1-over 73 that included four birdies, highlighted by a two on a par three.
Andrew Whittaker is tied for 75th after carding a 3-over 75 with two birdies.

The Mules will tee off at 11:20 a.m. Tuesday, May 19, at Boulder Creek Golf Club.