Oct. 29, 2006
Stellenbosch, South Africa (www.ucfathletics.com) - Surrounded by some of the best amateur golfers on the planet, UCF freshman Nuno Henriques (Funchal, Portugal) proved he belonged in that group this weekend. Competing for the Portuguese National Team, Henriques concluded the four-round 2006 World Amateur Team Championships Sunday at four-under par to tie for 16th out of 208 golfers. The tournament was held at De Zalze Golf Club and Stellenbosch Golf Club in South Africa with 70 different countries taking part.
Henriques beat out the likes of last year's medalist at the NCAA Championships, Oklahoma State's Jonathan Moore (United States), the fourth-place finisher at the NCAAs, Lamar's Dawie Van Der Walt (South Africa), and well-known American amateur Trip Keuhne.
After a three-over 75 in the first round, Henriques stormed back with two 70s in the second and third rounds and a 69 during the final day of action for an overall score of 284. He began Sunday in a tie for 27th before climbing up to 16th, as his final round was a ride of ups and downs. Henriques made seven birdies on the day while carding four bogeys.
Former Golden Knight Ben Leong also played solid golf in South Africa. He shot a three-under 285 to tie for 21st and ultimately help Malaysia finish in 18th as a team.
Henriques was the highest finisher for Portugal, which placed 21st overall (573, -3). Each country provided three players in the tournament, with the Netherlands taking home the team title thanks to a 22-under 554. Canada placed second (556, -20) and the United States rounded out the top three (557, -19). Wil Besseling of the Netherlands squeaked out first place on the individual leaderboard, firing a 275 (-13) to sit one stroke ahead of three other competitors.
Henriques and the UCF men's team finished its fall season Oct. 24, and returns in the spring for the Gator Invitational Feb. 10-11. For the latest news and information on the Golden Knights, tickets or apparel log on to www.ucfathletics.com - the official site for UCF athletics.