Fernandes and South Florida Capture SunTrust Gator Invitational
Rigel Fernandes
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- University of South Florida successfully defended their title at SunTrust Gator Invitational, beating Florida's premiere golf programs including University of Florida and Florida State.
South Florida entered the final round trailing Florida by a shot and put on a clinic on how to finish a tournament. The Bulls broke their program's 18-hole scoring record with a 13-under 267 in which each of their five starters shot in the 60s.
Most notable was a bogey-free 64 shot by junior Rigel Fernandes who backed up his 2nd round 63 and closed out the individual win by four shots. Fernandes was rejuvenated after losing his game in the fall.
βI was a little bit burnt out at the end of the fall and I had to sort of rededicate myself to why I love the game and why I practice,β Fernandes told Golfweek. βTo see it pay off was pretty incredible.β
Vanderbillt also finished the tournament in style with an impressive 12-under par final round that pushed them past Florida and Jacksonville for a runner-up finish. They were led by a stellar 63 from freshman Will Gordon.
The host Florida Gators finished in 3rd place led by a strong performance from Sam Horsfield who finished runner-up with a final-round 70.
ABOUT THE
54 hole men's college tournament hosted by the
University of Florida. Team (best four scores out of
five
players) and individual competitions.
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