It was a successful start to the Bob Jones University golf season as they set both a team and individual record at their first tournament of the year. The Bruins opened the year at the Maggie Mountain Invitational hosted by Alice Lloyd College at the Stonecrest Golf Club in Prestonsburg, Kentucky on Monday and Tuesday. After two rounds, the Bruins finished sixth in a field of 13 teams and set a school record with a 36-hole team score of 294-298=592.

"It was an amazing start to the season to be able to break 300 in both rounds. We've never done that before to my knowledge," said Head Coach Denny Scott. "This certainly was a very memorable and record-setting tournament."

The Bruins had four returning student-athletes and two freshmen representing on the course at the Maggie Mountain Invitational. Eli DeVaughn opened the scoring for the Bruins with a birdie followed by an eagle on the par-five seventh hole. Teammates DJ Waller, Dakota Holt, Lee Earl Jackson, and Graydon Hammond made several smart plays to contribute to the team's opening round success.

After 18 holes, DeVaughn led all players and finished six under par with a first place finish of 66. Waller ended Round One just one stroke over par (73). Jackson (77) and Holt (78) were not far behind, followed by Hammond with an opening score of 86. Freshman Ethan Koch wrapped up day one at 82 as he played as an individual. 

On Tuesday, the Bruins were back on the course for another beautiful day of golf. They got off to a good start with Waller, Hammond, and Holt putting together a solid effort on their short game. 

DeVaughn continued to play well and stayed near the top of the leaderboard for most of the day. With just two holes remaining, he scored back-to-back birdies to regain the lead. 

At the end of Round Two, DeVaughn finished on par with a two-day score of six under at 138 to set a new BJU Bruins school record. 

Waller tied for 27th with a total score of 148, Holt and Jackson tied for 39th with a two-round score of 153, and Hammond rounded out the team scoring with a score of 167. Koch finished his first collegiate contest with a score of 163. Together, the team broke 300 for a second day to set a new school record with a 36-hole team score of 294-298=592.

"Eli put in a lot of work throughout the summer, and it really paid off," said Scott following the tournament. "As a team we felt this potential was there, and it is exciting to see it played out in a tournament this early in the season. I believe the best is yet to come."

Full results from this week's tournament can be found here. 

Up next, the Bruins will travel to the state capital for the Columbia College Koalas Invitational on September 8.