April 14, 2008
LEXINGTON, Ky. (www.ucfathletics.com) - Four Knights recorded top-10 finishes as the No. 19 UCF men's golf squad claimed the team title on Monday at the UK Bluegrass Invitational. The Knights finished the three-round event, which was played in less than ideal weather conditions, 16 shots ahead of Missouri and Murray State, who tied for second.
UCF senior Giwon Suh (Orlando, Fla./Olympia) carded a one-over 72 in the second round and finished fifth at 224 (+11). The Knights concluded the 17-team tournament at 899 (+47).
The event began on Sunday. Due to cold weather conditions, only the first round was completed that day. On Tuesday, the temperature hovered around 40 degrees.
Three Knights tied for sixth in the individual standings as juniors Greg Forest (Palm City, Fla./Martin County) and David Johnson (Palm Bay, Fla./Melbourne) and sophomore Mike Stern (Miami, Fla./Killian) all finished at 225 (+12). After registering a nine-over 80 in the first round, Forest posted a 73 (+2) on the second 18 holes and a one-over 72 to conclude the tournament. Johnson recorded a one-over 72 in the second round.
"It was great to get our second win of the season. We played okay in some of the worst conditions that I have seen in my 26 of playing golf," said UCF head coach Nick Clinard. "The golf course had a difficult setup and the guys did a good job of staying positive this week in adverse conditions. Hopefully, this win will give us some confidence heading into the postseason."
After posting a 306 (+22) in the first round, UCF recorded a 290 (+6) in the second round and then concluded the tournament with a 303 (+19) on the final 18.
The Knights have now won two tournaments in a campaign for the first time since 2003-04. In February, the squad claimed the title at the UCF Rio Pinar Invitational in Orlando.
Competing as an individual, sophomore Nuno Henriques (Funchal, Portugal) tied for 37th (233, +20). Junior Preston Brown (Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla./Nease) tied for 87th at 250 (+37).
Western Kentucky's Brent Long took the individual title with a 219 (+6). Kentucky's Brian Belden also finished with that score, but was edged out by Long in a playoff.
The tournament served as the final regular-season event for the Knights. Starting April 20, UCF will compete at the Conference USA Championship in Texarkana, Ark.
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