Mobile, Ala. ? Austin Peay State University men's golf team finished second at the Palmer's Toyota Fall Intercollegiate, Tuesday, played at Azalea City Golf Club in Mobile, Ala., with junior Erik Barnes leading the way with a nine-under-par performance.

“The course played a little tougher today with different pin and tee placement,” said head coach Kirk Kayden. “It's definitely a course that if you play every day you will have a huge advantage.”

The Governors, playing in their season's first tournament, fired a final round 294 to finish second with an 855 (281-280-294), 21 shots behind tournament winner and host South Alabama.

Individually, the Govs were led by Barnes who finished second by firing a final-round 69 for a three-round total 207 (68-70-69), two shots behind tournament medalist Marc-Etienne Bussieres (69-68-68=205) from South Alabama.

“Erik (Barnes) did a great job leading the team throughout the tournament,” said Kayden. “He finished strong with a nine-under-par effort.”

Also finishing strong for the Govs was sophomore Brian Balthrop, putting up a final-round 75 to finish the tournament tied for 12th with a two-under-par 214 (72-67-75). He was the only Governor besides Barnes to finish under par.

Rounding out the field for the Governors were sophomore Luke Sherrod, who fired a final round 74 to finish with a three-round 219 (74-71-74, 25th), senior Matt Coles, who shot a final-round 77 to finish with a three-round 221 (72-72-77, 34th), freshman Carlos Rodriguez, who shot a final-round 78 to finish with a three-round 222 (70-74-78, 40th), and junior Eric Anfinson, who shot a final-round 76 to finish with a three-round 225 (71-78-76, 53rd).

“We had some high scores on a couple of holes that really hurt us today,” said Kayden. “We didn't finish as strongly as I had hoped, but overall I am pleased with our performance, and, hopefully, this can be a springboard for us the rest of the season.”

The Governors' next tournament, the Earl Yestingsmeier Invitational hosted by Ball State, takes place Sept. 22-23 in Muncie, Ind.

- AP -