A beautiful week at TPC San Antonio turned nasty on Saturday, the start of the Fall 2015 NCCGA National Championship. Instead of 70's and sunny, the course saw wind gusts of 15+ MPH all day, providing a difficult challenge for the entire 264 player field.
While there was no rain, the wind caused chaos from the opening tee shots. Countless provisional balls, and unpredictability reigned supreme, at least at the beginning of the rounds. However, the players started to get used to the gusting wind and it seemed a few teams found their groove.
NCCGA National Champions Day 1 Leaderboard
After 18 holes, the Clemson Club Golf team holds the 18-hole lead by 1-stroke. The Tigers shot a 435 on the day, led by Matt Barth's 81. Barth's score was the lowest for anyone on the round, and he currently sits as the top individualist. No player scored in the 70's, showing just how difficult the wind was to conquer.
Crazy tough day, but just glad to be in the mix at @NCCGA nationals!
— Baylor Club Golf (@BUClubGolf) November 22, 2015
120 yard 5irons, 200 yard p wedges, double pars... Wild windy day at @NCCGA Nationals. Time to check out downtown San Antonio #YOTO
— ND Club Golf (@NDClubGolf) November 22, 2015
Watering the greens @NCCGA finals trying to keep the ball from rolling away #golfacademyofamerica #windyinsanantonio pic.twitter.com/cUC9VIMfGP
— GolfAcademyAmer (@GolfAcademyAmer) November 21, 2015
@NCCGA can you turn down the wind please? Thanks #NCCGANationalChamp
— Mizzou Golf Club (@MizzouClubGolf) November 21, 2015
Clemson won the National Championship in the Fall of 2014, and nabbed the last wildcard spot. They are taking advantage of the opportunity. The Tigers are followed closely by Baylor, Stanford, then Georgia. Overall, the top 10 teams are separated by 10-strokes. It'll make for an exciting Day 2, where the weather is supposed to be much better.
Who will take home the trophy at the end of Sunday's round?
**Travis Richardson is an NCCGA Regional Director. Contact him on Twitter @NCCGA.
