March 31, 2009
AWENDAW, S.C. (UCFAthletics.com) - Play concluded at the Hootie at Bulls Bay Tuesday and the 15th-ranked UCF men's golf team finished the event fourth (848, -4). The Knights ended the 15-team tournament ahead of several nationally-ranked squads, including No. 5 Clemson.
Freshman Blayne Barber (Lake City, Fla.) was the top finisher for UCF. He carded a 1-under 70 during Tuesday's final round and ended the tournament tied for eighth at 210 (-3). Barber was one of four Knights who finished in the top-25 of the individual standings.
UCF posted a 283 (-1) as a team in the third round. Head coach Nick Clinard's squad finished two strokes behind No. 14 South Carolina. The Gamecocks ended the three-day tournament third at 846 (-6). Augusta State won the team title (835, -17). NC State (850, -2) placed fifth, LSU (851, -1) finished sixth and Clemson tied for seventh at 855 (+3).
"We played well this week, but didn't have our best stuff today though," Clinard said. "It was a good test and shows us what we need to work on and that differs somewhat for each individual. We are really looking forward to the rest of the semester as we have an outstanding team. Blayne did well and is a real fighter. I am proud of his work ethic on and off the golf course. His future is very bright."
The event was the first for the Knights since the squad claimed the title at the Rio Pinar Invitational in Orlando on Feb. 24.
In addition to Barber, redshirt freshman Brad Schneider (Valrico, Fla.) and senior David Johnson (Palm Bay, Fla.) also carded 70s Tuesday. Schneider tied for 11th at 212 (-1) and Johnson tied for 19th (214, +1). Joining the trio in the top-25 was junior Simon Ward (County Monaghan, Ireland). Ward tied for 22nd (215, +2). Sophomore Jed Dirksen (Hampton, Iowa) finished at 223 (+10) and tied for 60th.
Augusta State's Janne Kaske claimed medalist honors. He posted a 6-under 65 Tuesday and ended the tournament at 199 (-14).
UCF will return to the links Saturday, competing at the Augusta State Invitational at the Forest Hills Golf Club in Georgia.
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.
Team Leaders
1. Augusta State 286-272-277=835 (-17)
2. Virginia 288-278-277=843 (-9)
3. South Carolina 291-279-276=846 (-6)
4. UCF 291-274-283=848 (-4)
5. NC State 289-279-282 (-2)
UCF Individuals
T8. Blayne Barber 75-65-70=210 (-3)
T11. Brad Schneider 74-68-70=212 (-1)
T19. David Johnson 72-72-70=214 (+1)
T22. Simon Ward 70-71-74=215 (+2)
T60. Jed Dirksen 80-70-73=223 (+10)