May 31, 2012
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By Doug Richards
UCFAthletics.com
PACIFIC PALISADES, Calif. (UCFAthletics.com) - A successful season for the UCF men's golf team ended Thursday as the Knights finished tied for 19th at the NCAA Championship. UCF was one of 30 teams in action at the Riviera Country Club and the program was making its fifth appearance in the championship.
The Knights, who are ranked 20th nationally, concluded three rounds of stroke play at 885 (+33). UCF was led by Greg Eason, who tied for 13th at 215 (+2).
"Our program continues to get better each and every year. Our results continue to get better," UCF head coach Bryce Wallor said. "Being here is great for our team and our university."
The top eight teams following stroke play, including No. 2 Alabama and No. 5 UCLA, who finished first and second, respectively, advanced to the match play portion of the event. Match play begins Friday and the champion will be crowned on Sunday.
The Knights entered the final round of stroke play in 17th. UCF did enjoy success at Riviera. Wallor's team was tied for sixth following 18 holes, and moved to the top of the leaderboard midway through the second round. UCF carded a 13-over 297 as a team Thursday.
"We certainly had some great stretches of play," Wallor said. "This is a golf course where you seem to play well in spurts. We didn't advance, but I am happy for our kids. Our program is getting better."
Eason was one of four sophomores to compete for the Knights in California, along with senior Brad Schneider.
"We have such a young team. We will return four sophomores who all had a chance to play in the NCAA Championship. I am so excited about the future, to continue to build and get better," Wallor said.
UCF finished the event tied with No. 9 Stanford. Ricardo Gouveia finished stroke play at 218 (+5) to tie for 37th. Fellow sophomore Jose Joia tied for 105th at 227 (+14). Schneider tied for 114th (228, +15) and Kyle Wilshire tied for 135th (232, +19).
Eason carded a 1-over 72 during the third round.
"Greg played outstanding," Wallor said. "I walked the course with Greg for three days. He is so coachable and eager to learn. He is super talented and we are really happy for him."
The championship capped another impressive campaign for Wallor's Knights. UCF won three tournament titles during the year and spent the entire season in the top 25 nationally, moving to as high as No. 6.
Team Leaders
1. Alabama 285-287-287=859 (+7)
2. UCLA 289-287-285=861 (+9)
T19. UCF 290-298-297=885 (+33)
UCF Golfers
T13. Greg Eason 71-72-72=215 (+2)
T37. Ricardo Gouveia 72-73-73=218 (+5)
T105. Jose Joia 72-78-77=227 (+14)
T114. Brad Schneider 75-76-77=228 (+15)
T135. Kyle Wilshire 80-77-75=232 (+19)