Sept. 21, 2008
OLYMPIA FIELDS, Ill. (UCFAthletics.com) - The UCF men's golf squad had a strong final round at the Olympia Fields Illini Invitational Sunday, as the Knights concluded the three-day event ninth in the team standings. UCF entered the final day of play at the Olympia Fields North Course tied for 11th, but recorded a 286 (+6) in the third round.
The tournament featured eight of the top-30 ranked teams in the nation. UCF finished at 878 (+38), two strokes ahead of 10th-place Penn State. The Knights concluded the event eight strokes ahead of third-ranked and defending national champion UCLA.
UCF senior Greg Forest (Palm City, Fla.) began the day tied for 21st, but carded a one-under 69 to tie for 11th. He registered a three-day total of 214 (+4).
"The team played better today and we will get better as the year goes on," UCF head coach Nick Clinard said. "Greg played better this week and that is the way he should always play. Mentally, he was in the right spot and I am proud of him."
Playing in his first tournament with the Knights, junior Simon Ward (County Monaghan, Ireland) tied for 39th. Ward carded a two-over 72 Sunday to finish at 224 (+14).
Redshirt freshman Brad Schneider (Valrico, Fla.) tied for 45th (225, +15). Senior David Johnson (Palm Bay, Fla.) and freshman Blayne Barber (Lake City, Fla.) tied for 51st. Barber posted a one-over 71 on the final 18.
The tournament served as UCF's second event of the season.
No. 8 Florida State placed ninth, two strokes ahead of the Knights. Host Illinois (852, +12) claimed the team title. Zach Barlow of Illinois and Alex Martin of Indiana shared medalist honors at 209 (+1).
UCF's next tournament is set for Oct. 13-14, when the Knights head to California for the Prestige at PGA WEST.
For the latest news on the Knights, log on to UCFAthletics.com - the official site for UCF varsity sports. The site, which also contains ticket and Golden Knights Club donor information, is also the home of UCF's new online apparel store. Also visit UCFPhotos.com, the exclusive fan source for UCF action sports pictures.
UCF Team Score
9 296-296-286=878 (+38)
UCF Individuals
T11 Greg Forest 72-73-69=214 (+4)
T39 Simon Ward 77-75-72=224 (+14)
T45 Brad Schneider 75-72-78=225 (+15)
T51 Blayne Barber 79-76-71=226 (+16)
T51 David Johnson 72-80-74=226 (+16)