OCEAN VIEW, N.J. – The Fordham golf team encountered a rough start to its spring season on Saturday, braving harsh conditions at the South Jersey Kick-Off hosted by Iona.
 
The Rams sit in seventh place after 18 holes at Shore Gate Golf Club.  Fellow Atlantic 10 squad La Salle leads the seven-school pack, 32 shots clear of Fordham.
 
Throughout the round, winds were sustained in the area of 30 miles per hour with gusts as high as 50 miles per hour.
 
Competing as an individual, senior Charles Smollen paced the Rams with a 10-over 82, good enough for a share of 19^th place on the individual leaderboard.
 
P.J. O'Rourke and Chris Konefal anchored the Rams' scoring contingent with a pair of 84s. 
 
Playing as an individual, Andreas Aivasaglou carded an 85.
 
The Rams' scoring quartet was rounded out by Jake Mrva and Nicholas Manning each turning in an 89. 
 
Sophomore Mashu Nishi concluded his round at 20 over.
 
With more scoreable conditions in the forecast, the Rams will look to rebound in round two of the South Jersey Kick-Off on Sunday.  Live scoring will be available on Golfstat.com.