MCC’s Westbrook leads the Lou Hart Invitational

Meridian, Miss. – Meridian Community College freshman, Garrett Westbrook, used a 1-under par 71 on round one of the inaugural Lou Hart Invitational and leads the 36-hole event. The Baton Rouge native used a tournament best six birdies to take control of first place through one round at Northwood Country Club.

As a team, MCC stands in second place with an opening round of 304. Central Alabama is leading the event by six strokes over MCC, the Trojans posted the only sub-300 round with a 298. Wallace State is in third place, 14 shots behind Meridian.

"This was a very challenging set-up," said head coach Sean Covich.

"The pins were all tucked, the temperatures unseasonably cool and the winds were blowing, all of that made Garrett’s 1-under par round very impressive."

MCC sophomore Clay Bounds currently ranks third in the individual field after a two over par showing in round one, 73.

Cory Williamson of MCC shot an 80, Jarrod Moulds posted an 81, and Nick Hawkes rounded out the starting five with an 83.

Freshman, Tanner Sparks shot a 79 in round one. Sparks’ score does not count towards the team score as he is competing as an individual along with Eagle golfers, Mark Drube (80), John Cleveland (80) and Chris Cochran (85).

“We had two really solid scores out of Clay and Garrett, if we would’ve had any other score in the 70’s we would be leading, but six shots over 18 holes- that can be made up,” said Covich.

“I just hope our guys play with a positive attitude Tuesday; I think nothing would make Coach Hart more proud than for us to win her event at Northwood.”

MCC will resume play at 9:50 a.m. Tuesday in the final round.