April 12, 2009
LEXINGTON, Ky. (UCFAthletics.com) - Behind the play of freshman Blayne Barber (Lake City, Fla.) and senior David Johnson (Palm Bay, Fla.), the 15th-ranked UCF men's golf team finished third at the UK Bluegrass Invitational Sunday. The Knights recorded a 296 (+8) during the final round to conclude the 15-team event at the Big Blue Course at 896 (+32).
Barber carded an even-par 72 Sunday to finish the event tied for fifth (221, +5). The rookie has recorded top-10 showings in five-consecutive events. On the final 18, Johnson posted a 1-under 71. The senior ended the two-day, three-round tournament at six-over 222.
Host Kentucky claimed the team title. The Wildcats totaled an 880 (+16). Western Carolina (890, +26) finished second. The Knights entered the final round tied for fourth.
"We played a tough golf course in a ton of wind and cold temperatures," UCF head coach Nick Clinard said. "Blayne and David played very sold final rounds, but overall a disappointing week as far as the team play goes. Our mistakes are fixable and we will get back to work this week and we will be ready for the postseason."
All five golfers in the UCF lineup finished in the top-35 individually. Junior Simon Ward (County Monaghan, Ireland) and sophomore Jed Dirksen (Hampton, Iowa) tied for 27th at 12-over 228. Redshirt freshman Brad Schneider (Valrico, Fla.) tied for 33rd (229, +13).
Austin Peay's Erik Barnes (215, -1) won medalist honors after he carded a 5-under 67 Sunday. UCF junior Nico Donaldson (Windermere, Fla.) competed as an individual and tied for 58th (237, +21).
UCF will now turn its attention to the Conference USA Championship, which the Knights will host at the RedTail Golf Club in Sorrento. The three-day event will begin April 19.
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. Kentucky 297-285-298=880 (+16)
2. Western Carolina 298-293-299=890 (+26)
3. UCF 298-302-296=896 (+32)
T4. Ohio 310-301-292=902 (+39)
T4. Austin Peay 302-300-301=903 (+39)
UCF Individuals
T5. Blayne Barber 74-75-72=221 (+5)
8. David Johnson 76-75-71=222 (+6)
T27. Simon Ward 75-76-77=228 (+12)
T27. Jed Dirksen 75-76-76=228 (+12)
T33. Brad Schneider 73-76-80=229 (+13)
T58. Nico Donaldson 80-79-78=237 (+21)