Nov. 4, 2008
SAPPHIRE, N.C. (UCFAthletics.com) - The UCF men's golf team concluded its fall campaign in fine fashion Tuesday, claiming the team title at The Hummingbird Intercollegiate at the Country Club of Sapphire Valley. Three Knights finished in the top five as the squad finished the 14-team, two-round event at 11-under 557, one stroke ahead of second-place Vanderbilt.
Senior David Johnson (Palm Bay, Fla.) finished second with a two-round total of 8-under 134. Johnson concluded the tournament one shot behind champion Hudson Johnson of Vanderbilt. The finish was the second top-10 showing of the year for UCF's Johnson.
Redshirt freshman Brad Schneider (Valrico, Fla.) and junior Simon Ward (County Monaghan, Ireland) also placed in the top five for UCF.
The Knights posted an 8-under 276 in the second round to hold off Vanderbilt. UCF entered play Tuesday two shots ahead of the Commodores.
The tournament title was the first of the season for UCF. Head coach Nick Clinard's squad won two events in 2007-08. The Knights entered the tournament ranked 34th nationally.
"We played very well and all the guys contributed for this win," Clinard said. "It was a roller coaster of sorts today. We played very well at the beginning, decent in the middle and hung on at the end. I am extremely proud of the guys and their attitudes and effort the last few days."
Schneider placed third after recording a 3-under 139. Ward was right behind him, tying for fourth at 2-under 140. Freshman Blayne Barber (Lake City, Fla.) contributed to the victory, tying for 12th (144, +2).
The teams were originally scheduled to play two rounds on Monday, but were only able to complete 18 holes due to frost.
Competing as an individual, junior Devin Spies (Sarasota, Fla.) also tied for 12th. The junior college transfer was playing for the Knights for the first time. Senior Greg Forest (Palm City, Fla.) posted a 6-over 148 and tied for 34th.
The Knights and Vanderbilt were the only squads to finish below par. Akron (578, +10) placed third, followed by Elon (584, +16) and host Western Carolina (587, +19).
UCF will begin its spring campaign on Feb. 14 at the Gator Invitational in Gainesville.
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.
Final Team Leaders
1. UCF 281-276=557 (-11)
2. Vanderbilt 283-275=558 (-10)
3. Akron 293-285=678 (+10)
4. Elon 296-288=584 (+16)
5. Western Carolina 294-293=587 (+19)
Final UCF Individuals
2. David Johnson 67-67=134 (-8)
3. Brad Schneider 68-71=139 (-3)
T4. Simon Ward 73-67=140 (-2)
T12. Blayne Barber 73-71=144 (+2)
T12. Devin Spies 73-71=144 (+2)
T34. Greg Forest 77-71=148 (+6)