PALM COAST, Fla. – Sophomore Braden Armstrong is four shots off the leader through day one of the NCCAA Men's Golf National Championship. A day with consistent wind and light rain set the stage for the Warriors' first look at the Conservatory Course of Hammock Beach Resort as nine teams make the climb to claim national gold.
 
"The boys battled out there today," said head coach Seth Heppner. "It's definitely a great experience to be here. The Florida conditions are much different than that of Sacramento, which got the best of a few. We've seen the course now a few times and got some extra reps in on the range after the round, so we are feeling positive after the round."
 
The Warriors should feel positive. After one day of a national championship, they are within striking distance, sitting 12 strokes behind Bethel (IN), who leads the field after 18 holes.
 
"Being only 12 strokes back of first, the plan is to chip away at that tomorrow," added Heppner. "That will give us a great chance going into the final day."
 
Leading the charge was a round of 73 (+1) by Armstrong, placing him four off the leader. Armstrong is one of two in a tie for fourth, while two players are in the clubhouse at 69 (-3) after one day. A 60-foot eagle putt on the 18th hole wrapped up Armstrong's round, ending him into Tuesday with some momentum.
 
The Warriors also saw rounds in the 70s from Michael Sorber (77, T14) and Nicholas Schultz (79, T25), as they both come into the second round looking to make a jump up the leaderboard. Jerah Venkaiya (81, T32) and Trevor Halloran (90, 46) round out the field for Jessup.
 
This week's field includes 48 athletes and nine teams competing for a national crown. The action occurs at Hammock Beach Resort in Palm Coast, FL, with the men competing on the Conservatory Course and the women playing on the Ocean Course.
 
Live scoring from rounds two and three can be followed HERE.
 
Jessup University is a provisional member of the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Division II and the PacWest Conference. For additional information regarding Jessup Athletics, visit www.jessupathletics.com; visit www.jessup.edu for more information on Jessup University. Follow Jessup Athletics on social media: Jessup University Athletics (Facebook) and @JessupAthletics (Instagram & X).