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The SMU men's golf team opened play Tuesday at the 2004 NCAA Championship with an opening round of 297 (+17) on the Homestead Course in Hot Springs, Va. SMU's 297 has the Western Athletic Conference champion in 28th place entering Wednesday's second round. Cal is leading the tournament after an opening 279 (-1).

On Tuesday, the Mustangs could do little to get play going. On the day, SMU's best score was posted by sophomore Jerad Harklau who carded a three over 73 on the par 70, 6,679 yard track. Harklau posted three birdies including back-to-back birdies on the first two holes of the back nine. Harklau's 73 has the Rockwall, Texas native in a tie for 64th.

Freshman Dan Kleckner posted an opening round 74 (+4) and heads to Wednesday's second round tied for 87th. Kleckner birdied holes No. 1 and No. 7 on the day. Sophomore Will Dodson and junior Scott Abbott both carded rounds of 75 (+5) and are tied for 108th after day one. Abbott posted back-to-back birdies on No. 16 and No. 17, while Dodson's lone birdie came on the par three eighth.

2004 Western Athletic Conference Freshman of the Year Colt Knost rounded out the Mustang scoring with a first round 77 (+7). Knost birdied two holes on the day and is tied for 133rd. Cal's Jeff Hood is leading the individual competition with a first round 65 (-5).

The Mustangs begin Wednesday's second round at 12:03 p.m. central time off the No. 1 tee. SMU will be paired with Vanderbilt and Pepperdine.

TOURNAMENT RESULTS :: TEE-TIMES