For the first time, UCF is host and champion at Tavistock
UCF's winning team (Richard Donegan/Twitter photo)
The University of Central Florida has been hosting the Tavistock Collegiate at Isleworth Country Club in Orlando, Fla., for nearly two decades. Still, before Tuesday, the host team had never taken home the title.
The UCF team that finally did it was young, but determined nonetheless. UCF entered the week ranked No. 78 by
Golfweek and at Isleworth, outplayed the Nos. 1, 13 and 15 teams (Texas Tech, Arizona State and Auburn, respectively).
"I'm really happy for our team," said UCF coach Bryce Wallor. "We have a young group and they have worked extremely hard since they have been here. I haven't seen this much work at the practice center in a couple of years. I am just really proud of the effort and it was a great outcome for these guys."
UCF won the event wire-to-wire after opening with an 8-under 280 in the first round. The Knights’ team score got even lower the next day. A 13-under 275 increased the team’s lead and when UCF brought in a closing 1-over 289 on Tuesday, it resulted in a 14-shot victory over LSU.
Behind the Tigers at 6 under, Vanderbilt finished third at 1 under and Texas Tech was fourth at even.
Sophomore Johnny Travale led the charge for the Knights, and with a 12-under total, cashed in on the first individual victory of his career. His 204-shot total is the fifth best 54-hole mark in program history.
"Amazing performance. Him transferring into our program was a game-changer for us," said Wallor. "He pretty much just came out and dominated the golf course for three days…He beat a lot of good players and he should be proud of himself."
Information from UCF Athletics used in this report
ABOUT THE
Isleworth Collegiate Invitational
54 hole men's college tournament co-hosted by
the University of Central Florida and West Virginia
University.
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