Kent State University
Louisiana Classics
No. 22 Men's Golf Champions at Louisiana Classics
2/28/2017 6:11:00 PM | Men's Golf
LAFAYETTE, La. – The No. 22 Kent State University men's golf team took the championship at the 32nd annual Louisiana Classics, hosted by Louisiana at the Oakbourne Country Club.
The Flashes were dominant throughout the three-round tournament, posting a final score of 21-under par 843 (281-280-282). Kent State defeated the rest of the field by at least 19 strokes, with No. 13 Texas A&M coming in second at 2-under par. The Flashes dominated a course that some of the best teams in the country had trouble with this week. All but two other teams in the field, both nationally ranked, finished nine-over par or higher.
"I'm really happy with the way we competed, these guys are for real," exclaimed head coach Herb Page. "The team dealt with some wind today but overcame that to finish well. To get a win in February as a 'northern team' speaks to the focus and hard work of our guys. We have some things to work on, but we're happy to come home with a victory."
Finishing one stroke out of an individual championship was junior Ian Holt, who finished second at 9-under par 207. Holt posted a 71 Tuesday for his third straight round under par. He was one stroke off LSU's Sam Burns, the individual winner and second-ranked collegiate golfer in the country. The finish was Holt's second 54-hole tournament score under 210 this year.
The entire Flash lineup finished in the top-15, including three golfers in the overall top-10. Josh Whalen tied for fourth at 5-under par 211. He had the best round three score on his team at 69. He has now posted at least one round in the 60's in five of six tournaments this year. One stroke behind him was sophomore Gisli Sveinbergsson at 4-under par 212 in a tie for sixth, the best finish of his career. Sveinbergsson shot an even par 72, completing the tournament without shooting over par in a round.
Just outside the top-10 was Bjarki Petursson at 2-over par 218 and in a tie for 13th place. Petursson shot his best round of the tournament Tuesday, with six birdies en route to a 2-under 70. Reigning MAC Golfer of the Year Chase Johnson finished 15th at 4-over par 220. Johnson shot a 75 to finish the tournament. Competing as an individual, Chris Doody completed his first spring tournament tied for 65th at 233. He carded a score of 78 in round three.
The Flashes can look for a bump in this week's Golf Stat rankings, both as a team and individually. They will look to carry this momentum into the General Hackler Championship in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina March 11-12.
Players Mentioned
