STANFORD, Calif. – The Stanford men's golf team shot 8-over in the second round of The Goodwin at Stanford Golf Course on Friday, maintaining its lead over the 24-team field heading into the final day of the 54-hole event.
The Cardinal (276-288) leads No. 1 USC (285-280) by one stroke, as the Trojans shot a second-round best even-par on the par-70 track. Stanford held a seven-stroke cushion heading into Friday's round.
The two teams will battle for the tournament crown when play resumes Saturday, with live results available at GoStanford.com. Stanford will tee off at 1:10 p.m. PT. UNLV (+13) is third and Washington (+14) is fourth, and given the course conditions over the past two days, still could contend for the title.
The best players in college golf on the best course in college golf. #GoStanford pic.twitter.com/xAVrsloM6z
— Stanford Men's Golf (@StanfordMGolf) March 31, 2017
"It's good for us to be in a position to have a great final round and make a run at the trophy," said Conrad Ray, Stanford's Knowles Family Director of Men's Golf. "USC is a very talented team and had an incredible round today. The course and conditions will be prime for scoring tomorrow, and we feel good about our chances."
Stanford got a lift from Maverick McNealy's 1-over 71, as the senior carded three birdies over the final six holes to finish 2-under on his back half. Mcnealy, who is seeking a school-record 12th career win, is in a four-way tie for second among individuals. BYU's Rhett Rasmussen shot 6-under to lead the pack at 4-under through 36 holes.
Franklin Huang (74) and Brandon Wu (72) are tied for 12th at 1-over. Viraat Badhwar (71) is tied for 19th at 4-over, and Isaiah Salinda (76) is 68th at 10-over.
Competing as individuals, Jeffrey Swegle is 16th at 3-over and Bradly Knox is 19th at 4-over.