CARROLLTON, Texas – The University of San Francisco men's golf team battled high temperatures and a very difficult course in the opening round of the Maridoe Invitational hosted by North Texas on Sunday morning.  The Dons finished the day in eighth after shooting an 18-over 306 at the par-72 Maridoe Golf Club.
 
"Today was a tough day on a very tough course," said head coach Jack Kennedy. "There will be some huge swings in this event. We just need to stay patient and we will be right back in it."
 
After 18 holes, the Dons are led by sophomores Matthew Anderson and Christoffer Palsson who shot 2-over 74s to finish tied at 15^th.  Anderson opened the round with a bogey on one and three but finished the front-9 even after recording birdies on four and five.  He was even heading into the 18^th when finished his day with a double bogey.
 
Palsson had a very consistent day.  He opened the round with nine-straight pars to go into the turn even par. A bogey on 10 and 12 was the only blemish on his round, as he finished the day with six more pars.  The 16 pars on the day by Palsson led the field after 18 holes. 
 
In third for the Dons was Tim Widing who finished the afternoon with a 6-over 78.  Widing carded birdies on seven and 17 but a double on 14 and a triple on 18 had him finish tied for 38^th.
 
Alex Chin finished with an 8-over 80 which placed him at a tie for 53^rd.  Toby Briggs finished behind that with a 9-over 81 to finish his first round of 2019-20 at 56^th.
 
After one round, SMU's Noah Goodwin is the individual leader after shooting a 4-under 68.  As a team, SMU is the team leader, they were the only team to finish the opening day under par, shooting a 1-under 287.
 
The Dons will return to the course tomorrow morning for the second round.