LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- The University of the Cumberlands leads the Mid-South Conference Men's Golf Championship following today's first round at Nevel Meade Golf Course.

The Patriots fired a team-total of 299 over the 6,956 yard, par 72 links style course to lead by four strokes over second place Lindsey Wilson College (304). Campbellsville University is third after a 305 and Georgetown College (326) and West Virginia University Tech (330) rounds out the five-team field.

Cumberlands extended their lead in the race for the conference's national tournament at-large bid to 22 strokes over Lindsey Wilson entering the sixth and final round on Tuesday. The team with the lowest amount of shots over the six conference-sanction rounds throughout the year receives the conference's automatic bid into the NAIA National Championships in May.

Lindsey Wilson' Joe Hood leads the tournament following his even par 72 (36-36). Hood recorded four birdies in his round, including back-to-back birdies on the second and third holes.

Cumberlands' Nick Simpson is one shot back following a 73 (38-35) and Campbellsville's Scott Webb is third with a 74 (36-38). Cumberlands' Joey Bussdieker (35-40) and Michael Burgan (36-39) are tied for fourth with opening round 75s.

The final round is scheduled for Tuesday, April 28, at Nevel Meade.