May 28, 2009
TOLEDO, Ohio (UCFAthletics.com) - The UCF men's golf team concluded one of the top seasons in program history Thursday, tying for 10th out of 30 squads at the NCAA Championship at the Inverness Club. The showing was the best in program history for the Knights, who were participating in the championship for the fourth time.
UCF tied with Georgia Tech at 22-over 874. The Knights carded a 7-over 291 during the final round.
UCF freshman Blayne Barber (Lake City, Fla.) tied for seventh at 1-under 212. He posted a 3-under 68 on the final 18, recording five birdies, all on the back nine. Barber has now placed in the top-10 individually in eight-consecutive events.
The Knights' previous top finish at the NCAA Championship was 12th in 1991.
Due to a long rain delay Wednesday, the Knights were forced to finish the second round early Thursday morning. The squad began play at 6:45 a.m. After 36 holes, UCF was tied for ninth at 15-over 583, along with Tennessee.
"I am very proud of the guys. They really battled this week in extremely difficult conditions," UCF head coach Nick Clinard said. "With all of the rain delays and being in the wave that had to stop late and restart this morning was tough. The guys really hung in there. We had a great tournament and finished in the top-10 in the country. The entire team should be proud."
On Thursday, UCF senior David Johnson (Palm Bay, Fla.) carded a 1-under 70 to finish tied for 48th at 220 (+7). A pair of Knights - junior Simon Ward (County Monaghan, Ireland) and redshirt freshman Brad Schneider (Valrico, Fla.) - tied for 79th (224, +11). Junior Devin Spies (Sarasota, Fla.) tied for 127th at 17-over 230.
Play at the championship began Tuesday. The top-eight teams after the third round - Oklahoma State, Arizona State, Southern Cal, Arkansas, Washington, Michigan, Texas A&M and Georgia - advanced to match play, which begins Friday. Oklahoma State was the leader after stroke play at 3-under 849.
Texas A&M and Georgia moved on to match play at 17-over 869. TCU (873, +21) placed ninth. Tennessee finished 12th, one stroke behind the Knights and Georgia Tech.
Matt Hill of NC State, who was competing as an individual, took medalist honors at 6-under 207.
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. Oklahoma State 288-280-281=849 (-3)
2. Arizona State 294-281-287=862 (+10)
3. Southern Cal 305-281-279=865 (+13)
Arkansas 297-283-285=865 (+13)
Washington 293-286-286=865 (+13)
T10. UCF 300-283-291=874 (+22)
UCF Individuals
T7. Blayne Barber 75-69-68=212 (-1)
T48. David Johnson 78-72-70=220 (+7)
T79. Simon Ward 71-78-75=224 (+11)
Brad Schneider 77-67-80=224 (+11)
T127. Devin Spies 77-75-78=230 (+17)