MIRAMAR BEACH, Fla. – Led by a three-under 68 from Patton Samuels, the Austin Peay State University men's golf team shot two-under 282 and is tied for sixth-place after the opening round of Texas State's Sandestin Collegiate Classic, Monday, at Raven Golf Club.

Austin Peay, who is tied with Troy and Lamar, is one shot behind fifth-place Mercer and three shots behind fourth-place West Florida. The Govs are only five shots back of South Alabama, which leads the tournament after shooting seven-under 277 in the opening round. West Florida's TJ Thompson is the individual leader after shooting six-under 65 in the first round at the par-71, 6,931-yard track.

Samuels carded a team-leading six birdies, including four on the back nine, to finish the round tied for fifth. Seth Smith also carded three birdies and shot two-under 69 to finish the day tied for 12th.

John Mark Mills tallied four birdies, tied for the second-most by a Gov, and is tied for 36th after shooting one-over 72 in the opening 18 holes. Parker Elkins carded the final counting score for the Governors, shooting two-over 73 to finish the round tied for 52nd. Rounding out the lineup for Austin Peay, Grady Cox posted a three-over 74 and is tied for 61st.

Competing as an individual, Jack Dyer also tallied four birdies, tied for the second-most by a Gov, and is tied for 36th after shooting one-over 72.

Austin Peay is paired with Mercer, Lamar, and Troy for the Sandestin Collegiate Classic's second round, which begins with a 9 a.m. shotgun start, Tuesday. Clippd will have live scoring for the event. For news, updates, and results, follow the Governors men's golf team on X and Instagram (@GovsMGO) or check back at LetsGoPeay.com.