SUGAR GROVE, Ill. (UCFKnights.com) – The UCF men's golf season came to a close with one of the best finishes in school history Monday. The Knights ended play at the NCAA Division I Men's Golf Championship at Rich Harvest Farms in a tie for 14th.
It marked the best finish for the Knights since they took 10th place in 2009.
"This is a big accomplishment," head coach Bryce Wallor said. "We came in here and played well with a lot of very, very good teams to make that 54-hole cut. I'm really proud of my guys."
Extremely windy conditions made play difficult for virtually everyone on the course Monday. That included Knight sophomore Kyler Tate, who was tied for fourth place entering Monday's final round. But he struggled in the tough conditions and dropped back to finish tied for 23rd at 1-over par for the tournament.
Freshman Bobby Bai was +5 for the four rounds and finished in a tie for 39th. Juniors Manuel Elvira and Juuso Kahlos each wrapped up play in a tie for 72nd place at 13-over. Senior Ryan Stovash was 83rd at +25 in his final collegiate event.
With just one senior on a team that advanced to the final day of stroke play at the NCAA Championship, Wallor said his team's performance should be a springboard into next season.
"We lose one senior in Ryan Stovash, who has played a lot of golf for us," Wallor said. "Having said that, we've got a great player at home in Donnie Trosper and some good freshman recruits coming in. I'm really excited for our future."
