Posted: May 17, 2013
SALEM, Ore. - Central Methodist finished the third round of the 62nd annual NAIA Men's Golf National Championship presented by FORE! Salem 27th overall, concluding its first-ever run in the tournament. The five-member team has tallied a three-day score of 652 (330-322-317) at Creekside Golf Course.
Central Methodist's Ty Lieberman shot a one-over 73 on Thursday, marking a team-best for the tournament. He led the squad with a score of 231 (77-81-73) during the championship. Brad Howell ended the tournament second on the squad with a three-day total of 243 (86-80-77). Nathaniel Oliver shot a three-day score of 250 (85-84-81) to place third on the team.
Ryan Rost shot a third day 86 to come up with a tally of 254 (91-77-86). Austin Rapp rounded out play for Central Methodist, carding a 259 (82-85-92) over the course of three days.
Defending national champion Oklahoma City maintained the clubhouse lead for the third-straight day. The Stars carded their highest single-day total of the championship with a third-round score of 1-over par 289, but hold a 16-stroke advantage over second-place Texas Wesleyan. The Rams shot 279 on the day, which is the lowest single-round team score since the event moved to Creekside Golf Club in 2012, to vault from No. 8 to No. 2 in the team race. Rounding out the remainder of the top five are Cal State San Marcos, Johnson & Wales (Fla.) and Grand View (Iowa).
Individually, Aaron Flores of Our Lady of the Lake (Texas) and Sondre Ronold of Oklahoma City are tied atop the leader board.
Following third round action the field is cut to 17 teams and the top 40 individuals. The fourth and final round will begin play on Friday at 7:30 a.m. PDT.
