After nine holes on Monday in the Barnabas Health Intercollegiate tournament, Gophers senior Jon Trasamar was struggling a bit. He had birdies on holes No. 7 and 8, but had three-putted three times.
So he made the turn on the River Course at Fiddler's Elbow Country Club in Bedminster, N.J., in a 1-over 37.
"I was thinking I have to right the ship, play solid and put myself in position," he said. "I wanted to give myself an opportunity and some chances."
After all, Trasamar's team -- he's captain of the Gophers -- was trying to win its first tournament since 2007.
Trasamar's round turned around quickly. He birdied the 10th hole and eagled the 11th to go 2-under for the day.
His birdie on No.10 came on an 8-foot putt. His eagle on No. 11 was set up with a 3-iron shot to within 5 feet of the hole. And he made that short putt, too.
"I got close to the flag on No. 11," Trasamar said. "I came up left and the pin was on the right. I landed short with my shot and the ball hopped on the green and rolled to 5 feet and I took advantage."
That he did on those two holes and four others on the back nine, finishing with a 7-under 29 on the back nine after an eagle and five birdies.