No. 1 Gulf Coast leads after 18

No. 1 Mississippi Gulf Coast claimed a slim lead after the first round of its first MACCC event of the season Monday. The Bulldogs lead host Meridian by one shot at the Jim Redgate Invitational.

East Central is two more shots back after Gulf Coast's opening-round 4-over 292 at Briarwood Golf Club.

"We played solid," Bulldogs coach Brad Thornton said. "We made a few mistakes coming in again, but ultimately, we've got the opportunity to play with the lead (tomorrow). To have a chance to win up here is going to be tough, and we knew that coming in. I'm never going to be upset with a lead, so we've got the opportunity to finishing things off tomorrow."

Ludvig Behring (So., Sollentuna, Sweden/Osterakers Gymnasium) is tied for the lead after a 2-under 70. He joins East Central's Will Thompson atop the leaderboard.

Gulf Coast's Stanley Campbell (So., London, England/Essex Golf College) is tied for fourth at even-par. There are three Bulldogs tied at 3-over: Garner Seymour (So., Biloxi/Biloxi), Peyton Russell (So., Gautier/Gautier) and John Mark Mills (So., Pontotoc/Mike Bender Golf Academy).

"Ludvig leading a golf tournament is going to give him all the confidence in the world, so I'm hoping he can finish it out," Thornton said. "His practice plan is pretty strict. He's very responsible on his own time, and he's developed a plan. He sticks to it no matter what, and he's reaping the benefits of what's a very disciplined approach."

Briarwood played firm and fast. The Bulldogs got out of position a few times on the back nine and had a couple of bad breaks. Still, Thornton said they were able to grind out good rounds.

"We'll be playing with both teams in the top-three (tomorrow)," he said. "The easiest way to say it is to say, 'Win your own group.' These guys are talented enough to go out and post a really good round. I've said it before, if we go out and stick to our game plan around this course, they'll be fine."

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