Arkansas Razorbacks Pull Away to win Gopher Invitational
INDEPENDENCE, MN (September 11, 2017) - The University of Arkansas men's golf team shot a final-round 5-under 279 to pull away from the field and win the Gopher Invitational at Windsong Farm Golf Club.
Arkansas started the day with a one-shot lead, but compiled 17 birdies and 2 eagles to push the final lead to ten shots. Their 4-under 848 total set the tournament scoring record.
The Razorbacks beat an elite field that included nine ranked teams, including the defending national champion Oklahoma Sooners. Baylor University finished second at six over par, and Oklahoma was third at seven over.
“I am really proud of these guys for battling and coming out with a win against a great field here in Minnesota,” said head coach Brad McMakin to ArkansasRazorbacks.com. “Beating two top 10 teams and knocking off the defending National Champions will give this team confidence that hopefully we can build on moving forward.”
Kent State had the low final round, an 8-under 276, to move into solo fourth at eight over par. Pepperdine and Michigan State were fifth and sixth, respectively.
Ian Holt of Kent State won the individual title, shooting 70-67-66 for a 10-under 203 total and a three-shot win.
Mason Overstreet of Arkansas (72-67-67) was solo second and Pepperdine's
Sahith Theegala (68-70-69) was third, four shots behind Holt.
Mark Lawrence, Jr. of Virginia Tech, who made it to the semifinals of last month's U.S. Amateur at Riviera, finished tied for fifth at one-under 212.
Brad Dalke, who earned the winning point for the Oklahoma Sooners in last season's NCAA Championship, was alone in eighth at even par.
ABOUT THE
Gopher Invitational
54-hole men's college event hosted by the
University of
Minnesota at Windsong Farm Golf Club. Team (best
four
scores out of five players each round) and individual
competitions. The field includes programs from the
Big
Ten, Pac 12, and Big 12.
View Complete Tournament Information