GULFPORT, MS. - East Carolina men's junior golfer Robin Smith carded an opening round 66 at the 2005 Conference USA Men's Golf Championships and currently sits in first place with a one-stroke lead over TCU's Colby Beckstrom. The tournament is being played at the par-72, 7,093-yard Grand Bear Golf Club in Gulfport, Miss.

Smith, who tied his personal best round, recorded seven birdies and one bogey and has the Pirates (73-64-5) sitting in seventh place heading into second round action on Tuesday. Garrett Osborn (UAB) and Clint Deibert (Charlotte) each recorded rounds of 68 and are in third-place, while Michael Thompson (TCU) and Janes Sacheck (TCU) are tied for fifth after shooting rounds of 69.

In the team portion of the event, TCU has a commanding lead over the field after a first round team score of 278, 10-under par. UAB is in second with a two-under par 286. Charlotte (289) and Tulane (289) are tied for fourth, while Houston (293). sits alone in fifth.

"I'm really proud of Robin's efforts today," said Head Coach Kevin Williams. "He has been playing very well over the last two months, which is evident by three consecutive top-15 finishes. We will need him to continue playing well and hope that the rest of the team finds its grove as the tournament goes on."

Second round action will begin Tuesday morning with final round action concluding on Wednesday.

Top Pirate Finishes
1. Robin Smith 33-33=66
T34. Chris Ault 41-35=76
T41. Adam Howell 35-42=77
T47. Brandon Pace 38-40=78
T53. Philip Reale, II 37-42=79

Top Individual Finishes
1. Robin Smith (ECU) 33-33=66
2. Colby Beckstrom (TCU) 34-33=67
T3. Garrett Osburn (UAB) 32-36=68
T3. Clint Deibert (Charlotte) 33-35=68
T5. Michael Thompson (Tulane) 35-34=69
T5. James Sacheck (TCU) 34-35=69

Top Team Finishes
1. TCU 278
2. UAB 286
T3. Charlotte 289
T3. Tulane 289
5. Houston 293
6. Louisville 296
7. East Carolina 297