Silvis, IL - The No. 20 University of the Cumberlands men's golf team opened play at the NAIA Men's Golf National Championship on Tuesday at TPC Deere Run, finishing the first round tied for 20th overall. The Patriots carded a team score of 301 (+21) after beginning the day on the back nine.

Colby Johnson paced the Patriots in round one, firing an even-par 70 to sit tied for 25th individually. Johnson was strong through his opening nine holes, posting a 32 (-3) with two birdies before closing with a 38 (+3).

Pedro Morgado also turned in a solid opening round, carding a 71 (+1) with four birdies to finish tied for 36th overall. Morgado shot 37 (+2) on his first nine before settling in with a 34 (-1) on the front side.

Alexei Butchart and Eli Fischer each posted rounds of 76 (+6) and are tied for 116th. Butchart recovered from a difficult start with an even-par 35 over his final nine holes, while Fischer added one birdie in his opening round.

Thomas White rounded out the lineup with an 84 (+14).

The Patriots will return to the course Wednesday for round two of the national championship with a scheduled tee time of 7:50 a.m. CT.

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