Blanchard announces 2018 schedule as Bulldogs look to defend NEC title
SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Bryant University head men's golf coach Charlie Blanchard has announced the Bulldogs' 2018 spring schedule, as the Black and Gold look to defend their Northeast Conference title from a year ago.
"We're looking forward to getting started," said Blanchard. "We had contributions from nine players in the fall. Having that depth creates great competition at practice. Having that competition will help propel us this spring."
The season begins March 5 and 6 at the Lonnie Barton Invitational, hosted by LIU Brooklyn at LPGA International in Daytona Beach, Florida. The Bulldogs placed seventh at the tournament a year ago with Ryan Brown (Bedford, N.H.) recording a top-30 result.
Bryant will return north for its second tournament, as the Bulldogs will take part in the Coca-Cola Lehigh Valley Invite, hosted April 1-2 by Lafayette at Silver Creek Country Club in Hellertown, Pennsylvania. Bryant finished tied for second at last year's event out of 16 competing teams.
The Bulldogs will travel to Maryland's Eastern Shore April 7-8 for the Towson Spring Invitational at Prospect Bay Country Club in Grasonville, Maryland. Bryant finished 10th in the 22-team field in 2017 with Brown carding a one-under 71 in the opening round.
A weekend in the Ocean State follows with the Rhode Island Invitational, as the Bulldogs will play April 16-17 at Quidnessett Country Club in North Kingstown. Bryant finished second in the tournament a year ago with 2017 graduate Ryan Tombs capturing the individual title.
Bryant will close April in Florida at the NEC Championship April 27-29, played at the same site as the Bulldogs' spring opener. The Black and Gold will look to defend their NEC crown, as Bryant won by 26 strokes in 2017 with a three-round score of 884 (+20).
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