May 10, 2004

BEAUMONT, Calif. - Fresh off being named an All-American on Monday, Hardin-Simmons senior golfer Chris Phillips fired his highest round of the season with a 79 at the first round of the NCAA Division III Championships at the PGA of Southern California Golf Course in Beaumont, Calif.

Phillips, who qualified for the tournament as an individual, had not shot over 77 all season, but a shaky start in which he played his first four holes five over par. He pulled his round together and was only two over the rest of the round. He is tied for 60th place in the 120 player field.

The Golf Coaches Association named Phillips one of its 10 All-Americans on Monday. He becomes the first Division III All-American for the Cowboys since 2000.

Chad Poling of Ohio Wesleyan leads the individual race as he shot a six-under 66. He was one of only four players in the field under par. OWU leads the team race with a first-round two-over 290, eight strokes better than second-place Redlands.

The 72-hole championship continues Tuesday. Phillips will tee off at 9:10 a.m. PST.

Hardin-Simmons' women's golf team will also begin play at the Division III Women's Championships at the Golf Course of Lawsonia in Green Lake, Wis. HSU tees off between 8:50 and 9:30 on Tuesday morning. Fans can follow live on www.hsuathletics.com.