Aldarondo Shoots Below Par in Round One of Men's Golf South/Southeast Regional

5/5/2022 7:52:00 PM | By: Kyrin Mayfield | @k_mayfield97

Results
VALDOSTA, Ga. - Ian Aldarondo of the Embry-Riddle men's golf team is in the red after the first round of the NCAA II South/Southeast regional with a one-under-par 71 at the 7,420-yard course at the Kinderlou Forest Golf Club. He sits tied for 35th on the leaderboard out of 108 participants. Teampurates peaked around the mid-90s with a slight breeze to the northeast.

"I think today was a great start," said Aldarondo. "The course is not playing hard, and there are many holes that provide an opportunity to birdie. I just need to find them and take advantage."

Aldarondo thrived on the par-5 holes by registering an average of 4.5 strokes, tied for the 10th-best average in the field.

A group of supporters from the Embry-Riddle men and women's golf teams made the three-hour trip from Daytona Beach to cheer Aldarondo on throughout all 18 holes, and the encouragement made a positive impact on him.

"It's always nice to play golf and represent your school, but when I see my teammates and friends drive three hours just to see me play, it makes my round better. It makes me want to play better and put on a show for them. It motivates me to never give up."

After parring the opening three holes, Aldarondo recorded his first birdie on the fourth, which is the longest on the course at 639. He shot an even 36 on the front nine and managed to hit every fairway.

Another birdie on a par-5 hole (No. 11) had the Puerto Rico native back in the red. He later scraped out another below-par hole on the 15th by sinking a 15-foot putt and throwing his arms up in the air in celebration.

Head Coach Ken Staton believes Aldarondo will improve upon today's strong performance in the two rounds to come.

"Ian had a solid day. It was a very low-stress 71. I'm looking forward to the next two days. He has a low round in him. I just have that feeling."

Delta State and West Georgia are tied at 276 while Barry is one shot behind with a 277 total.

Muhammad Afif Mohd Fathi of Barton College is the top individual with a seven-under-par 65.

Aldarondo tees off at 12:50 p.m. on Friday for round two with the same pairing of King's Asmund Norum and Spring Hill's Brennan Dolnick. Temperatures are forecasted to be slightly cooler maxing out at 87 degrees. Rain is expected to roll through the area in the afternoon with a 60 percent chance at about 5 p.m.

The 2021-22 Embry-Riddle Men's Golf season is presented by Tijuana Flats.

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