Feb. 18, 2009
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - After tying for first at the SunTrust Gator Invitational in Gainesville this past weekend, junior Simon Ward (County Monaghan, Ireland) of the 21st-ranked UCF men's golf team was named the Conference USA Golfer of the Week Wednesday. Ward helped the Knights to an impressive third-place showing at the 14-team event at the Mark Bostick Golf Course.
The junior fired a 5-under 205 on his way to a three-way tie for first. Ward carded a 3-under 67 in the final round. He began the tournament with a 2-under 68.
The C-USA Player of the Week award is the first of Ward's career. He is in his first campaign in Orlando after graduating in Ulster University in Ireland. Two Knights - senior David Johnson (Palm Bay, Fla.) and freshman Blayne Barber (Lake City, Fla.) - received conference player of the week accolades during the fall. This past weekend's tournament was the first of the spring for the Knights.
After the third-place showing in Gainesville, the Knights are now ranked 21st nationally in according to the Golfstat NCAA Head-to-Head Standings.
Ward and his teammates will return to action Monday when UCF hosts the Rio Pinar Invitational in Orlando. The three-round tournament will conclude with 18 holes on Tuesday.
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.