STILLWATER, Okla. - Harris English began the final tournament of his college career Tuesday.
The former Baylor School star shot a 2-under-par 70 for the University of Georgia in the first round of the NCAA championship tournament at Karsten Creek Golf Club. He was 5 under for his first nine holes but ended the day tied for fifth, three shots behind leader James White of Georgia Tech, who in an AJGA event in 2007 set the WindStone course record with a 61.
Tech leads the team standings by three strokes over UCLA, with Alabama two back in third at even par and Georgia another three back.
"These four years have flown by," English said before the tournament. "I can't believe I've already graduated and that I'm turning pro in the next few months."
He may delay ending his amateur status because he has a shot of making America's Walker Cup team.
"I've got to play well in the NCAAs and play well in the rest of my amateur events this summer," said English, who won four state championships with Baylor. "I'm going to put in lots of hard work and see if I can make it."
Former Baylor teammate Jay Vandeventer shot a 6-over 78 for Tennessee, which is 27th at 20 over.