Sept. 20, 2011
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By Doug Richards
UCFAthletics.com
MIDDLETOWN, R.I. (UCFAthletics.com) - Thanks to a dominating final-round performance, the UCF men's golf team claimed the title at the Adams Cup of Newport Tuesday at the Carnegie Abbey Club in impressive fashion. The tournament title was the second in as many fall events for the Knights, who finished the two-day, 19-team event at 842 (-18).
UCF was led by sophomore Ricardo Gouveia (Almancil, Portugal), who took medalist honors in only his second event as a Knight.
The Knights, who are ranked 25th nationally according to Golfweek, posted a 13-under 275 on the final 18 holes to post the victory. Georgia, the nation's 16th-ranked team, finished second, nine shots behind UCF at 851 (-9). The Knights entered the final round in second, just three shots behind Georgia. Three Knights finished in the top-10 individually.
"For two tournaments in a row now we have received contributions across the board," UCF head coach Bryce Wallor said. "Every week is its own test. You bring your best team out and see how you stack up against some of the premier teams in the country. Every day, somebody on our team is doing something special out on the golf course. I am excited with the way that we have started the season and hopefully we will continue to progress."
Gouveia, a transfer from Lynn, carded a 6-under 66 Tuesday to conclude the tournament at 204 (-11). Senior Brad Schneider (Valrico, Fla.), who posted a 68 (-4) during the final round, placed third.
"Ricardo and Brad rolled in here and played great for 54 holes. They were both in contention after the first day. They played fantastic golf again today. Ricardo came out on top of the field, and I couldn't be happier for him. He is a great addition to our program, and he has been working hard along with everybody else on the team."
UCF sophomore Jose Joia (Lagoa, Portugal) tied for eighth at 215 (E). On the final 18, he registered a 5-under 67. Junior Reid Martin (Mukilteo, Wash.) tied for 23rd at 5-under 220. Sophomore Kyle Wilshire (Lexington, Ky.) tied for 32nd (221, +6).
UCF also claimed the title at the Adams Cup of Newport a year ago. Martin placed fourth individually, and Schneider tied for 21st in 2010.
Georgia posted a 1-under 287 Tuesday. Yale finished third, followed by Texas Tech. Rhode Island hosted the event and finished 12th.
The tournament was a homecoming for Wallor. An Ocean State native, Wallor was a member of Rhode Island's men's golf team from 1993-98. He served as an assistant coach for the Rams in 2002-03.
The tournament was the second of the fall for the Knights. UCF began the season by taking the title at the Northern Intercollegiate in Illinois on Sept. 11. Schneider took medalist honors at the event.
The Knights will return to action on Oct. 9 at the Prestige at PGA West in La Quinta, Calif.
Team Leaders
1. UCF 288-279-275=842 (-18)
2. Georgia 289-275-287=851 (-9)
3. Yale 293-286-281=860 (E)
4. Texas Tech 292-287-285=864 (+4)
UCF Golfers
1. Ricardo Gouveia 70-68-66=204 (-11)
3. Brad Schneider 70-71-68=209 (-6)
T8. Jose Joia 75-73-67=215 (E)
T23. Reid Martin 73-70-77=220 (+5)
T32. Kyle Wilshire 77-70-74=221 (+6)