The University of Minnesota men's golf team shot a first round 305 (+17) and are in 11th place after the opening day of the NCAA Men's Golf Championships in Stillwater, Okla. The Golden Gophers trail four teams including host Oklahoma State by six shots. The Championships are being played at the par 72, 7,301-yard Karsten Creek Golf Course.

"I'm reasonably happy with the way we played today," said head coach Brad James. "It's a very difficult golf course and it's not an easy day for anyone. The scores are very high out there, but I like our chances on this tough of a golf course."

The Gophers were led by junior David Morgan who fired an even-par 72 and is tied for fifth place. Senior Simon Nash is tied for 29th after an opening round 75. Junior Justin Smith carded a first round 76 and is tied for 44th. Senior Matt Anderson had an 82 and senior Wilhelm Schauman had an 86.

"David played very well today," said James. "This is a David Morgan type golf course because he hits the ball very straight. I'm not surprised the way he played. It's imperative to hit fairways and David did that all day."

Minnesota begins second round play tomorrow at 12:45 Central Time off the No. 10 tee. They will again be paired with USC and the University of South Carolina.

T1 Oklahoma State +11 299 T1 North Carolina State +11 299 T1 Clemson +11 299 T1 Auburn +11 299 T5 Southern California +12 300 T5 Duke University +12 300 7 Florida +14 302 8 UCLA +15 303 T9 Wake Forest Univ. +16 304 T9 Illinois +16 304 11 Minnesota +17 305 T12 Arizona State U. +18 306 T12 Texas +18 306 14 Arizona +19 307 T15 Wichita State Univ. +20 308 T15 North Carolina +20 308 T17 Kentucky, U. of +21 309 T17 New Mexico +21 309 19 Georgia Tech +22 310 20 Augusta State +23 311 T21 UNLV +25 313 T21 South Carolina +25 313 T23 Arkansas, U. of +26 314 T23 Washington +26 314 25 Georgia +27 315 26 SMU +28 316 T27 Vanderbilt +32 320 T27 Tennessee, Univ. of +32 320 T29 San Diego State +35 323 T29 Oregon, U. of +35 323 Golden Gopher Scores

T5 David Morgan 72 (E) T29 Simon Nash 75 (+3) T44 Justin Smith 76 (+4) T117 Matt Anderson 82 (+10) T142 Wilhelm Schauman 86 (+14)