May 20, 2009
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - After an impressive performance last week at the NCAA Regional in Sorrento, Fla., UCF freshman Blayne Barber (Lake City, Fla.) has moved to 28th nationally on the Golfweek/Sagarin Performance Index individual rankings. As a team, the Knights are now ranked 16th nationally according to the Golfweek/Sagarin Performance Index.
Barber is one of three Knights listed in the top 100, joining senior David Johnson (Palm Bay, Fla.) and junior Simon Ward (County Monaghan, Ireland).
At the regional, Barber helped UCF claim the event title, finishing third at 11-under 202. During Saturday's final round at the RedTail Golf Club, he carded a school record 9-under 62. The Conference USA Golfer and Freshman of the Year, Barber leads UCF with eight top-10 finishes in 2008-09. He has placed in the top-10 in seven-straight tournaments.
The Knights will now head to the NCAA Championship in Toledo, Ohio. The event, which features three rounds of stroke play and two days of match play at the Inverness Club, begins Tuesday. UCF will be making its fourth appearance in the championship, but first since 1992.
Head coach Nick Clinard's squad has won four tournaments this season, including its last two events.
Ward is 77th in the individual rankings. The C-USA Newcomer of the Year, he took medalist honors at 205 (-11) at the league championship, which was also held at RedTail. Ward also tied for first at the SunTrust Gator Invitational.
Johnson, ranked 80th, was named to the All-C-USA Second Team after are tying for 11th at the league event. He has participated in all 12 of UCF's tournaments this season and has six top-20 finishes.
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.