Freshman Greg Eason (Leicester City, England) and sophomore Reid Martin (Mukilteo, Wash.) finished in a tie for third as the UCF men’s golf team won its fourth consecutive team title at the Rio Pinar Invitational on Tuesday at the par-72, 7,001-yard Rio Pinar Country Club in Orlando.
UCF shot a Rio Pinar Invitational record low 841 (-23) over the 54 holes of play giving the Knights the team title. The Black and Gold finished five strokes better than Liberty 846 (-18) and 20 strokes ahead of third place No. 21 NC State 861 (-3). The previous record was also set by UCF when it recorded an 846 (-18) in the 2008 tournament. Daniel Mazziotta of Florida Gulf Coast won the individual medalist honor in a playoff over Robert Karlsson of Liberty after both finished with a 204 (-12).
“Our team is fantastic and we have a great group of kids. They are all extremely competitive and hard working. I’m very proud of them for playing well at home,” UCF head coach Bryce Wallor said. “It is always difficult to come out and play well at home, but the guys came out with a solid performance and it’s a great win for UCF.”
Individually, four Knights finished inside the top seven led by Eason and Reid who shot a 72 and 71 in the final round, respectively, leaving them both with a 207 (-9). Junior Connor Arendell (Cape Coral, Fla.) was not far behind his Black and Gold teammates carding a 209 (-7) two shots back and placing him in fifth. Senior Nuno Henriques (Funchal, Portugal) played well throughout the three rounds finishing the tournament in a tie for seventh with a 212 (-4).
Freshman Kyle Wilshire (Georgetown, Ky.) recorded a 216 (Even) for the tournament leaving him in a tie for 18th place. Junior Brad Schneider (Valrico, Fla.) shot a final round 70 giving him a 221 (+5) for the tournament.
Competing as individuals, Martin and freshman Hojin Kang (Lake Mary, Fla.) played very well. Martin ended up tied with Eason and Kang finished his second and third rounds strong shooting 71 and 72 leaving him with a total score of 225 (+9).
The Knights get back to action at the BancorpSouth Intercollegiate in Madison, Miss. April 4-5.
RIO PINAR COUNTRY CLUB * ORLANDO, FLA.
FINAL RESULTS * PAR 72 * 7,001 YARDS
TOP TEAMS
- UCF 275-282-284=841 (-23)
- Liberty 283-287-276=846 (-18)
- NC State 291-284-286=861 (-3)
- Wichita State 292-289-291=872 (+8)
- Florida Gulf Coast 287-290-296=873 (+9)
UCF SCORERS