VESTAVIA HILLS, Ala. – Freshman Conor Purcell came within one shot of tying a school record and led the 60-man field after round one before sitting in a tie for second after day one of the Jerry Pate National Intercollegiate in Alabama. Charlotte is slotted in 10th place after 36 of 54 holes.
Starting on the back nine, Purcell opened up with back-to-back birdies to immediately sit at two-under. After a string of four-straight pars, the freshman knocked down another birdie on the par-five 16th. Making the turn after a three-under 32, Purcell added a birdie two on the par-three third and wrapped up with a three on the par-four ninth to card his career best round of 65 (-5).