Marler Takes First-Day Lead at Everett Buick GMC Classic

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Louisiana's Jake Marler posted back-to-back rounds in the 60's, recording a 5-under-par 67 in the second round and claiming a one-stroke lead after the first day of the Everett Buick GMC Classic on Monday at Chenal Country Club.

Second-round play was suspended due to darkness with golfers from nine of the 15 schools still on the course. Tuesday's final day will start at 8:30 a.m. with the completion of the second round with the final round of the 54-hole event to follow.

Live stats will be available at GolfStat.com and RaginCajuns.com.

Marler, who is one shot ahead of Central Arkansas' Mark Stockdale in the field at 8-under-136, opened the day with a 3-under-69 for his second career round in the 60's. The senior followed up his impressive start with the second-lowest round recorded by a Ragin' Cajun this season after a near-flawless round which consisted of six birdies.

Eli Ortego used a stretch of six consecutive birdies in the opening round to card a 6-under 66 before posting a 2-over-par 74 in the nightcap to sit in an eighth-place tie at 4-under 140. The junior overcame three bogeys on the front nine to fall to 2-over through eight holes before posting a birdie at No. 9.

Ortego then posted birdies on his next five holes and added two more through his final four holes on the back nine to post a 7-under-29.

Malan Potgieter finished at even-par 144 on the day after recording a 1-under 71 in the opening round and a 1-over 73 in the second. Dylan Keating concluded the opening day at 10-over 154 (78-76) with Burke Alford one shot back at 155 (81-74).

Matt Weber, competing as an individual in his 2023-24 debut, posted rounds of 74 and 71 to finish at 1-over-145.

Louisiana posted a team score of 4-under 572 after 36 holes to finish in sixth place. LSU (569) and host Little Rock (570) completed its day to finish ahead of Louisiana with Michigan (-9) and UCA (-8) leading the field before play was called.

Fans are encouraged to stay engaged with the Ragin' Cajuns by downloading the #GeauxCajuns app. Click here for iOS/Apple platforms and here for Android platforms.

Follow the Ragin' Cajuns on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram (@RaginCajunsGolf) or check RaginCajuns.com for Louisiana golf updates.

Marler Takes First-Day Lead at Everett Buick GMC Classic

Next Event

Players Mentioned

Burke Alford

Dylan Keating

Jake Marler

Eli Ortego

Malan Potgieter

Matt Weber