The 15th-ranked Auburn men's golf team (281-556) finished Monday's opening 36-holes of the Jerry Pate National in second place, two strokes behind second-ranked Florida (276-554), at the Old Overton Golf Club in Vestavia Hills, Ala. No. 4 Alabama (278-559) trails the Tigers in third.
Auburn freshman Niclas Carlsson (68-132) leads the 60-player field at 8-under after firing a 6-under morning round. The Enenyberg, Sweden native holds a one-stroke lead over Alabama freshman Bobby Wyatt (69-133).
Auburn sophomore Michael Hebert (70-140) carded back-to-back rounds at par to finish tied for sixth. Junior Will McCurdy (69-142) and sophomore Blayne Barber (74-142) are tied for 12th followed by sophomore Dominic Bozzelli (74-148) tied for 35th.
The Tigers held a three-stroke lead over Florida after 18 holes of play. However, a strong second round from the Gators saw them take a narrow lead into Tuesday's final round.
"We had another strong round going this afternoon but carded three double bogeys between 10 and 12," said Auburn head coach Nick Clinard. "We responded well, shooting four-under from that point on. This is the position you want to be in heading into the final round of a tournament. All our guys can do is focus on their own game. "Niclas (Carlsson) is having another strong showing. His morning round was very strong and played solid this afternoon in maintaining the top spot. He is a very seasoned golfer for his age."