The two-time Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year is in the NCAA ‘s after winning the league medalist honor.
Starting from the first tee, Newcomb made par on the first four holes before making bogey at the par-3 5th. He came back with a birdie at the par-5 9thto make the turn with an even par 37.
Newcomb’s back nine started with another birdie at the par-3 10th. He made two more bogeys before a birdie at the par-5 16th. Newcomb was 1-over-par playing the par-4 18th, but a triple bogey left a sour taste as he finished with the 76.
He was tied for a spot in 44th place in the field of 75 players.
Second round play for Newcomb begins Friday from the 10th tee at 9:50 a.m. He will be paired with Michael McGee of Indiana and Alabama State’s Ian Mmbando. Both were in 70th place with an 84.
Illinois’Charlie Danielson was the individual leader with a 7-under-par 65.
Newcomb’s challenge in round two is to get back into contention. He must be the low player not on the top-5 teams to advance to the finals. The NCAA finals will get a combined 30 teams and six individuals not on those teams (May 28-June 2) at The Capital City Club, Crabapple Course in Atlanta, Ga.
Illinois also led the team chase with a 282 ahead of second place Texas and third place Oklahoma State with scores of 285 and 286. Kent State was in fourth at 288, while host Arkansas was fifth at 290.
The rest of the Fayetteville top-10 was rounded out by Colorado (292) in sixth place, SMU (297), UNC Wilmington (300), Liberty, UMKC and Tulsa (303). Kentucky was in 12th at 304 with Indiana (307) and Alabama State (313).
The final round at the Blessings GC is set for Saturday. The course is playing to a par of 72 and 7,251 yards.
Newcomb's NCAA appearance is the first for the Racers since Cameron Carrico competed in 2011. The Racers made a team appearance after winning the OVC Championship in 2010.
