Will Miles has the individual lead and helped the Gamecocks to a commanding lead at the Cleveland Golf – Palmetto Intercollegiate at the Palmetto Golf Club in Aiken. (Golfclub File Photo)

The South Carolina Gamecocks have a commanding lead over the field at the Cleveland Golf, Palmetto Intercollegiate.

The Gamecocks hold a 17 shot lead over the field after posting two sensational rounds at the Palmetto Golf Club in Aiken.

“It was a great day for the team and I’m really glad some of their hard work is starting to pay off,” said USC head coach Bill McDonald.

USC opened the first round shooting a 268 total to finish at 12 under par and hold a 14 shot lead over Virginia and UAB.

Will Miles led the Gamecocks shooting a 6-under par 64 to finish the first round in a tie with William Walker from UAB.

Not only did Miles have an outstanding first round his teammates played almost as well.  Caleb Proveaux shot a 4-under par 66 while Ryan Stachler and Scott Stevens each finished at 1-under par 69.

The Gamecocks kept their foot on the gas in the second round. Miles continued to hold the lead shooting a 5-under par 65.

Stachler matched Miles round posting a 65 to move up to second place, four shots behind the leader. Stevens improved on his first round score by a shot .

At the end of the first day the Gamecocks had four counting scores among the top-six individuals.

“We made some putts and played aggressively when it was appropriate,” said McDonald.

The Gamecocks 537 score ranks among the top-five all-time 36 hole totals for the South Carolina program.

Virginia had the second best second round to finish the first day with a 554 total in second place.

Bryson Nimmer is in third place at the Cleveland Golf Palmetto Intercollegiate. The Clemson senior is trying for his fourth individual title this year. (Golfclub File Photo)

Bryson Nimmer led Clemson to third place. The Tiger senior shot rounds of 67 and 68 for a 135 total and third place individually.

Clemson freshman Jacob Bridgeman gave the Tiger a second top-10 scores. The Chapman High School grad shot rounds of 69 and 68 for a 137 total and a tie for sixth place.

The final round begins with a shotgun start at 9 am on Tuesday. The Gamecocks will be trying to win their fifth championship in the event and third in the last five years.