Just as Auburn men's golf coach Nick Clinard predicted last week, the familiarity with Grand National Lakes Course and comfort of being at home has served the Tigers well, at least through one day.
Auburn leads the Tiger Invitational by five strokes after carding a 3-under 285 in Sunday's first round.
Matt Gilchrest, who started in the No. 2 spot behind All-American Michael Johnson, currently leads the tournament individually. Four birdies on the back nine vault him into the top spot on Day One.
Johnson, who entered the tournament as the No. 2 golfer in the nation, sits three strokes back at 1-under-par. Ben Schlottman shot even-par and is tied for 12th.
Auburn's Achilles' heel has been the bottom two spots in the lineup, and Sunday was no exception.
Jake Mondy sits in 28th after the first round, and freshman Trace Crowe, who was inserted into the lineup this week to make his first college start, sits way back in 91st.
The man Crowe replaced in the lineup — Will Long — led the Auburn B-team with a 1-over 73. The B-team currently sits in ninth place in the 18-team tournament.
Auburn returns to action on Monday in Opelika. The Tigers will tee off in a group with Troy and Kennesaw State, which sit in second and third, respectively.
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