By kevin eckleberry

Daily News

LaGrange College’s golf team is in fourth place after the opening round of the USA South tournament at Highland Country Club.

Senior Jake Nelson began his final conference tournament in fine fashion with a 1-over par 73, and he’s tied for ninth place. Freshmen Sam Rogers and Cameron Starr opened with 75s, Ben Womack shot a 79, and Nathan Garner carded an 82.

Methodist surged to the first-round lead with a team score of 289, and North Carolina Wesleyan (294) and Huntingdon (295) are close behind.

LaGrange College (302) and Maryville (302) are tied for fourth, and they’re within striking distance, 13 strokes behind the leader.

Greensboro (307) and Piedmont (307) are tied for sixth, and Ferrum (312) and Averett (312) are the bottom two teams.

The teams will play 18 more holes today before finishing with 18 holes on Saturday.