Arkansas sophomore Charles Kim
(Arkansas Athletics Photo)
GAINESVILLE, FL (February 19, 2017) -- Playing without
their best stick Alvaro Ortiz who has an undisclosed
sickness Arkansas was still able to capture the SunTrust
Gator Invitational. The victory for the 5-over
Razorbacks was their second of the season after they
claimed the Mountaineer Intercollegiate in October.
Leading the way for Arkansas was medalist winner
Charles Kim. Pacing the field by three-strokes heading
into the final round Kim was never able to pull away and
he didn't secure the title until he rolled in a birdie putt
on the 18th hole. The 54th hole birdie pushed Kim back
to 6-under where he started the day and it gave him a
one-stroke victory over Rory Franssen of Missouri.
Kim, a PING All-America honorable mention performer
last year, signed for rounds of 68-66-70. The medalist
title for Kim was the first of his career.
On Sunday Arkansas received a big lift from freshman
Luis Garza who fired a 5-under 65 to match the round
of the tournament. Garza finished the weekend 5-over
and tied for 16th.
Mason Overstreet and Dylan Naidoo turned in 2-over
final score rounds to account for the remainder of the
Razorback final round tally.
In the teams standings both Missouri and Jacksonville
finished second at 12-over, No. 2 Florida was fourth at
13-over while Florida State was fifth at 14-over.
Rounding out the top-five of the individual standings
were Raul Pereda of Jacksonville (-2) in third while
Florida State's Cristobal Del Solar (E) and Ryan Jahn (E)
of Jacksonville shared fourth.
DAY ONE RECAP
After a 36-hole day Arkansas is pacing the field at the
SunTrust Gator Invitational. Heading into the final round
the Razorbacks are 6-over and five shots in front of
Missouri.
Pacing Arkansas through the first two rounds is
sophomore Charles Kim. Sitting at 6-under, Kim has a
three-stroke lead following tallies of 68-66. Starting his
second round on the 7th hole, Kim birdied his first three
holes and then the 12th to reach 6-under for the
tournament. Following his birdie on No. 12 it was all
about holding on for Kim, a PING All-America honorable
mention last year.
Kim bogyed the 15th and 18th holes and also the
second but he was able to offset the dropped shots with
first, third and fifth hole birdies.
Arkansas has also received top 10 play from Mason
Overstreet who is 2-over and tied for eighth.
In the team standings Missouri's Rory Franssen is the
only other player in red figures at 3-under and he is in
second place. Four players are tied for third at even-
par; Cristobal Del Solar (Florida State), Taylor Eyster
(UAB), Phillip Knowles (North Florida) and Jorge Garcia
(Florida).
Behind Arkansas and Missouri in the team standings it is
No. 2 Florida (+13) in third, Jacksonville (+16) in fourth
and Florida State (+18) in fifth.
ABOUT THE Florida Gators Invitational
54 hole men's college tournament hosted by the
University of Florida. Team (best four scores out of
five
players) and individual competitions.
View Complete Tournament Information