Vandette Earns Individual Title, Flashes Place Third at Dorado Beach

Sunday, February 25

Dorado, Puerto Rico (TPC Dorado Beach)

Kent State University

Dorado Beach Classic

Chris Vandette Individual Title at Dorado Beach Collegiate

Vandette Earns Individual Title, Flashes Place Third at Dorado Beach

2/27/2024 3:00:00 PM | Men's Golf

Redshirt Senior Chris Vandette won the individual title at the Dorado Beach Collegiate shooting a -14 through 36 holes to sit atop the 107 player field.

Vandette's 14 under par through 36 holes is the second lowest score through two rounds in Kent State men's golf history. The mark is one stroke short of pro Chase Johnson, who shot 15 under through 36 holes at the Cleveland State Invitational in the 2016-2017 season.

The Quebec native cruised through his first 18 holes, shooting a tournament best score of 64 for eight under par, a round that featured eight birdies and zero bogeys.

Heading into Monday with a one stroke lead, Vandette stayed the course shooting a 66 for a -6, totaling nine birdies on the day and 17 through 36 holes, three higher than any other competitor.

The event was originally scheduled to be a 54 hole, three day event. However, due to weather, the third and final round was a wash, giving Vandette the individual title.

"Chris stepped up big this week. He was hitting it awesome the last week or so and I think that gave him a lot of confidence," said Head Coach Jon Mills. "He is super talented and I love seeing him reach his potential," said Mills

As a team, Kent State placed third out of 17 teams, finishing at 25 under par. The Golden Flashes recorded the most birdies of any team in the tournament with 50, and shot a best -4 on par 3's through the two days.

Bryce Reed tied for his best career finish as a Golden Flash, tying for 14^th shooting seven under.

"I had a good talk with Bryce leading into the week and he seems to be more motivated than ever," said Mills.

Jordan Gilkison continued his sustained excellence, tying for 28^th shooting four under.

The lone eagle of the tournament for KSU belonged to James Newton sinking the par five sixth hole in three shots during his second round of play.

Up Next:

The Golden Flashes will return to action in a little under three weeks playing in the General Jim Hackler In Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, hosted by Coastal Carolina University.

Team Results

1. UNC Greensboro (Host) -37

2. Ball State -28

3. Kent State -25

T4. West Virginia -24

T4. UTSA -24

6. Illinois State -26

T7. ULM -19

T7. Valparaiso -19

9. Butler -18

10. George Mason -15

11. Maryland -11