EL PASO, Texas (Nov. 19, 2018) – Matthias Schmid established himself as one of the longest hitters in the field at the Sun Bowl Marathon All-America Golf Classic before the first official tee ball had ever been hit. Schmid, the Louisville sophomore from Germany, won the long drive competition to open the week, then backed it up with the 36-hole co-lead at El Paso Country Club.

Schmid hammered a drive 331 yards with a breeze in his face in Sunday’s contest, and on Monday, that length translated into opening scores of 64-67. He didn’t make a bogey in his opening 64, and made just one in the afternoon.

At 11 under, Schmid is tied with Bryson Nimmer, the Clemson senior who had the solo first-round lead after opening with 63. Nimmer’s day was very similar – no bogeys in the morning round, and just one in the afternoon. Nimmer, who led his Clemson team in scoring this past fall as he won two individual titles, has carded several low rounds this season. He also had a 63 at the Maui Jim Invitational in September on his way to the title.

Behind the leaders, Georgia’s Spencer Ralton trails by just a shot after rounds of 68-64. Texas A&M’s Walker Lee is fourth at 8 under.

Vanderbilt’s Will Gordon rounded out the top 5 at 7 under. Along with Nimmer, Gordon had the distinction of being named to the U.S. Walker Cup practice session on Monday. Gordon’s Vanderbilt teammate John Augenstein, who is T-15 after rounds of 71-69, also was invited.

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